The former leading edge of the June 27th lava flow from Kilauea volcano has slowed and has been overtaken by a second narrow branch of the flow, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense.

An aerial assessment conducted on Sunday morning found that the breakout on the north side of the flow front advanced, making the front of the flow move about an additional 60 yards since Saturday.

According to Civil Defense officials, all burning activity is limited to vegetation in direct contact with the flow and is producing moderate to heavy smoke conditions in the Kaohe Homesteads area.

The flow continues to move northeast and does not pose an immediate threat to area communities, Civil Defense reported.

The public is reminded that the flow is not visible and cannot be accessed from public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision continues to be restricted to area residents only.