LIVE BLOG: Mauna Loa lava continues march toward highway
COURTESY USGS
A morning overflight of Fissure No. 3 shows continued activity today.
COURTESY USGS
Fissure No. 3 is seen erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa volcano just before noon today.
COURTESY USGS
Fissure No. 3 is seen erupting on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa volcano before sunrise today.
Editor’s Note: Bookmark this page! This story is developing and will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.
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UPDATED: 3:56 p.m.
As of 3 p.m. today, the Mauna Loa lava flow front is 1.8 miles from the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reports lava breakouts from the channel on the northeast rift. Officials said in a statement that the breakouts are expected to slightly slow down the lava flow.
No communities are currently at risk.
12 p.m.
The lava flow from the one currently active fissure, Fissure No. 3, continues its slow northward advance toward Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
The flow advanced a small distance since midnight, possibly due to a significant breakout siphoning lava from the channel about 2.8 miles behind the tip of the main flow on the east side, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said today.
This map shows Mauna Loa eruptive activity as of 7 a.m. today. Click here to view the map.
The main flow has advanced at an average rate of less than 20 feet per hour over the last day, HVO said. However, the flow remains active and continuously supplied from the Fissure No. 3 vent.
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The Mauna Loa eruption has reached its 10th day as the lava flow marches slowly north toward the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, which remains open to traffic in both directions.
As of this morning, the Fissure No. 3 lava flow was about 1.8 miles away from Daniel K. Inouye Highway, according to a civil defense update.
There’s a 50% chance of rain today for Hawaii island’s interior area, according to civil defense. Fog continues to make driving hazardous.
Visitors are reminded that areas adjacent to Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Old Saddle Road and near the lava flow are closed for public safety.
At least 20 Hawaii Army National Guard troops were deployed Tuesday to Hawaii island’s “traffic hazard mitigation route” to help keep motorists and spectators safe in viewing the ongoing Mauna Loa eruption along old Saddle Road.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth last week announced the opening of a viewing area to relieve traffic congestion along Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The 4.5-mile route uses the old Saddle Road with the entrance located directly across from the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area.
No communities are currently at risk.
