(ABOVE PHOTO) Incandescent cracks are abundant in the surface of the June 27th lava flow just above the Pāhoa cemetery, as shown in this USGS Hawaiian Volcan Observatory photo taken on October 27. Lava is accumulating beneath the flow’s upper crust, causing it to inflate.

NEWS BRIEFS

• The lava has advanced 275 yards in a northeast direction since yesterday morning. The flow front is approximately 100 yards from the nearest residential property. The flow advancement has been inconsistent however averaging approximately 10-15 yards per hour.
• Last night, Hawaii County Civil Defense announced the rate of lava advancement had sped up to 15 to 20 yards an hour. Residents in the immediate downslope area of the flow path were advised to prepare for possible evacuation that night.
• Pāhoa Village road will be closed from Apaʻa Street to Post Office Road and limited to area residents only.
• A Red Cross Shelter has opened at Sure Foundation Church in Puna (16-1592 Pohaku Circle in Orchidland Estates)

PRIMARY SOURCES

The flow continues to remain active and has advanced approximately 275 yards since yesterday morning. The flow front is currently moving in a northeast direction and is approximately 100 yards from the nearest residential property. The flow advancement has been inconsistent however averaging approximately 10-15 yards per hour.

Smoke conditions were light to moderate with moderate trade winds from the northeast pushing the smoke in a south southwest direction. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents down wind that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors.

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 beginning last night. 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. In addition, Civil Defense and public safety personnel will be operating in the area round the clock to maintain close observations of flow activity.
Hawaii County Civil Defense on Oct. 27

HVO scientists monitored the leading portions of the June 27th flow on the ground yesterday and through the night. The narrow lobe that crossed Apaʻa St/Cemetery Rd early Sunday morning traversed the cemetery and continued northeast. The front moved about 120m (130 yd) from 4:30 pm yesterday to 7:30 am this morning. The flow rate varied widely, advancing as fast as 15 m/hr (16 yd/hr) at times Sunday afternoon, and slowing to less than 2 m/hr (2.2 yd/hr) from 2:30 am to 7:30. The front is expected to pick up some speed today as it traverses slightly steeper terrain.

Scientists are currently monitoring the flow front and will issue a status update this afternoon. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Oct. 27