(ABOVE PHOTO) A new research camera has been temporarily positioned southeast of the Pāhoa Marketplace, one of two new views that can be seen online at the USGS HVO webcam page.

NEWS BRIEFS

• The lava flow is still active but may be slowing, having advanced 165 yards since yesterday. The front is .8 mile upslope of the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection.
• Governor David Ige is scheduled to visit the Puna district today. A tentative schedule includes a civil defense briefing, a visit to Keeau High School to meet with teachers of impacted areas, as well as a visit with evacuating merchants at Pahoa Marketplace. the governor also plans to attend the weekly public meeting at Pahoa High School cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.
• There are two new webcams installed southeast of the Pāhoa Marketplace. A new research camera has been temporarily positioned southeast of the Pāhoa Marketplace. The left side of image overlaps slightly with an image from a second camera looking west (R2cam). The camera was installed through a collaboration between the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, and Bryson’s Cinders Inc.

INSIGHT

PRIMARY SOURCES

This morning’s assessment shows that the flow front remains active and continues to advance in an east-northeast direction, however may be slowing. The active flow had advanced approximately 165 yards since yesterday and the front remains approximately .8 mile upslope of the Highway 130 and Pahoa Village Road intersection. Current activity does not pose an immediate threat to area communities and Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory personnel are maintaining close observations of the flow. Residents and businesses down slope will be kept informed of any changes in flow activity, advancement, and status. As the flow activity continues to show signs of advancement, businesses in the Pahoa Market Place are taking necessary steps to prepare for a possible evacuation. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and to be prepared for increased traffic and large vehicles in the area.

Smoke conditions in the immediate area were moderate with a light tradewind blowing the smoke in a south southeast direction. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and residents that may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take precautions and to remain indoors.

Additional updates will be broadcast as conditions change.

On behalf of the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency and our partners we would like to thank everyone for your assistance and cooperation. Hawaii County Civil Defense on Dec. 18 at 8:15 a.m. HST