Lava advances 300 yards toward Pahoa Marketplace
Lava flows in a channel, a short distance upslope of the leading edge of the flow on Tuesday.
a thermal image of the leading tip of the active lobe on the June 27th lava flow.
This photo taken Tuesday shows a breakout closer to Puu Oo vent, about .5 miles north of Puu Kahaualea that began on Dec. 5 from an existing lava tube.
Lava is continuing its slow advance on a northeast path that could bring it to the Pahoa Marketplace near the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Highway 130.
After an overflight Wednesday morning, Hawaii County Civil Defense estimates the lava moved about 300 yards since Tuesday and is about 2.1 miles above the intersection.
The lava does not pose an immediate threat to residents and Pahoa Village Road remains open.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists flew over the entire length of the flow Tuesday. Scientists said that as of Tuesday afternoon, the main active flow appears to be following a path that will take it to the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Highway 130.
Another steepest descent path could take it to the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision.
On Monday and Tuesday, the flow advanced at an average rate of 165 yards a day over a relatively flat section of ground. The flow advance rate is about half that of last week, when the lava moved over steeper terrain.
The width of the flow varies from about 90 yards to about 360 yards at its widest point.
Smoke levels Wednesday were moderate to heavy Wednesday morning with a light, northwest wind blowing the smoke toward the southeast.
