Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to close amid potential of explosive eruption at summit

PUNA, BIG ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) - Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be closed on Friday in anticipation of a possible explosive steam event at Kilauea's summit.

Park officials fear that a steam-induced explosion, and subsequent ash fall may be possible at the summit, due to the receding lava lake. The majority of the park will be closed until further notice.

Geologists say the lake level has dropped more than 720 feet since the floor of the Pu'u O'o crater collapsed April 30.

The Kahuku Unit will be the only part of the park operating under normal hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday through Sunday.

This story may be updated.

Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

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