Lava flow stalls, breakouts closely monitored

PUNA, BIG ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) - The flow continues to remain active however has not advanced since yesterday. The flow front remains 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road.

The front continues to show signs of widening with breakouts along the flanks or margins and is approximately 60 yards wide.

A new breakout located upslope from the flow front on the north side is active and advancing in a northeast direction and will be monitored closely. Additional breakouts above the Apa?a street area along the north side of the flow are also being monitored closely.

Smoke conditions continue to be light with trade winds from the northeast pushing the smoke in a south southwest direction. Presently burning activity is involving a variety of materials and smoke conditions may increase in some areas. Residents down wind that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors. Additional health advisories may be issued depending upon materials involved with any fires associated with the lava flow.

Based on the current flow location, direction and advancement, residents in the flow path were placed on an evacuation advisory and notified of possible need for evacuation. The evacuation advisory for those residents down slope of the flow will continue and residents will be kept informed of the flow status and advancement.

The Pahoa Village Road between Apa'a Street and the Post Office Road will remain closed and limited to area residents only. Motorist should use caution and slow down on Highway 130 near the Post Office Road intersection. Residents of the restricted area should not bring unauthorized persons into the restricted area. In addition, Civil Defense and public safety personnel will be operating in the area round the clock to maintain close observations of flow activity.

More details as soon as they become available on Hawaii News Now. 

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