LIVE BLOG: Mauna Loa’s lava flow stalls near key highway
COURTESY USGS
A screenshot of Fissure No. 3 erupting, this morning, on the Northeast Rift Zone of Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaii island.
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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UPDATE: 3:30 p.m.
Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory said the front of the lava flow is now 1.7 miles from the Daniel K. Inouye Highway. The lava flow remains stalled with active flows upslope above the 10,000-foot elevation, officials said.
Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency officials remind the public all areas adjacent to Daniel K. Inouye Highway, old Saddle Road and near the lava flow have been temporarily closed as a precaution.
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“Please stay in designated areas to avoid hazards,” officials said in a statement.
Meanwhile, a high wind warning for north and south Kohala is in effect, while a wind advisory is in effect for Hawaii island summits potentially affecting the corridor.
This latest map shows the lava flow front’s location on Dec. 8. Click here to view the map.
9:20 a.m.
The eruption from Fissure No. 3 on Mauna Loa is no longer feeding the lava flow approaching Daniel K. Inouye Highway, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Officials said the lava is coming out at a lower rate this morning.
There’s no imminent threat to any community, the agency said.
A helicopter overflight on Dec. 7 shows the thermal image of Mauna Loa’s eruption activity from Fissure No. 3. The blue color means cooler temperatures and the red color indicates warmer temperatures. Click here to view the map.
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The Mauna Loa eruption has reached its 11th day as the lava flow marches slowly north toward the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, which remains open to traffic in both directions.
The flow front of Fissure No. 3 has slowed and remains at 1.75 miles from Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Hawaii County Civil Defense said today.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory last measured the average flow rate at slower than 20 feet per hour Wednesday.
>> PHOTOS: Lava from Mauna Loa eruption inches toward highway
There’s a 50% chance of rain today for Hawaii island’s interior area, according to civil defense. Additionally, a high wind warning for north and south Kohala and a wind advisory for Hawaii island summits remain in effect.
Visitors are reminded that areas adjacent to Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Old Saddle Road and near the lava flow are closed for public safety.
No communities are currently at risk.
