4 PM: Channel Spillovers & Breakouts Possible

This news story will be updated throughout the day as new information becomes available and new articles will be added to the website’s “News” section. Previous information about ongoing events can be found in Big Island Now’s “Volcano Blog” section.

KĪLAUEA SUMMIT LIVESTREAM LINK

CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE LAVA MAP FOR JULY 7, 2018

Saturday, July 7, 2018, 4 p.m.:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 remains active and is feeding a lava channel to the ocean at Kapoho. The flow is producing a broad ocean entry along the shoreline, and continues to expand into Kapoho Beach Lots and the Four Corners intersection.

The following policies remain in effect:

• Four Corners and Kapoho Beach Lots are closed to any access.
• Be aware that spillovers of the channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field. Do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for south and east shores and forecast potential thunderstorms for the island of Hawai‘i. Heavy rainfall has been reported at the Kailua-Kona area. The advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. tomorrow.

Due to the potential thunderstorms, the following advisories are issued:

• Be aware of lightning; the best place to be is indoors.
• Expect possible interruptions in your utility services.

Due to the potential of flooding, the following advisories are issued:

• Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to be on the alert for possible flooding conditions.
• Motorist are urged to exercise caution while driving. Road closures may occur without notice.
• Persons near streams and rivers must remain alert for changing conditions.

6 a.m.: Highway 11 Repaired and Open

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation works to fix the hole on Highway 11 in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, July 7, 2018. PC: HDOT

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to be very active and is feeding a lava channel to the ocean at Kapoho. The flow is producing a broad ocean entry along the shoreline, and continues to expand into Kapoho Beach Lots and the Four Corners intersection.

Lower East Rift Zone, July 6, 2018. PC: HCFD

The following policies remain in effect:

• Four Corners and Kapoho Beach Lots are closed to any access.
• Be aware that spill overs of the channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field, do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.

The National Weather Service forecast heavy rains and possible thunderstorms for the eastern half of the island from Hāmākua to Ka‘ū. The safest place to be if lightning impacts the area is indoors. Be prepared for interruption of utilities.

Overnight views show Fissure 8 lava roiling in the vent and feeding a pulsing channel. Fisheye lens photograph of a USGS geologist making observations of the fissure 8 lava channel at sunset July 3, 2018. The field crew is at a high point overlooking the channel near where it makes a 90 degree turn around Kapoho Crater and flows south. The glow of the Fissure 8 vent is the bright spot in the center of a different cone, Halekamahina. PC: USGS

State Highway crews have completed repairs to Highway 11 at the 30 mile. Hawai‘i Police Department reports both lanes are now open.

Starting today, The Disaster Recovery Center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. The center is located at the Kea‘au High School Gym. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center. Additionally, the Salvation Army is operating a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. If you have items you wish to donate, coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.