USGS at At 2:00 p.m. HST. This photo reveals a small pad of lava between Fissures 16 and 17 which did not appear in photos of the same scene taken this morning. (Red arrow points to the lava pad.) From the photo it appears that this fissure had stagnated. USGS has designated this small outbreak as Fissure 18.

(BIVN) – Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Janet Babb spoke with media in Hilo during the daily press conference at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

A few hours later it was reported that a new fissure, fissure 18, has opened up near Halekamahina Loop Road between fissure 16 and 17. Active fumes and lava spatter is occurring at this time, civil defense reported.

“This newest fissure is on private property, do not trespass,” officials stated. Scientists said continued earthquake activity and additional outbreaks in the area are likely.

USGS map inset: Map as of 9:00 a.m. HST, May 13, shows the location of fissure 17, which opened this morning at approximately 4:30 a.m. HST. NOTE: This new fissure was initially referred to as fissure 18 in early reports, but that is incorrect (what was called fissure 17 yesterday did not erupt lava, so this morning’s erupting fissure is actually 17). In addition to fissure 17, the map shows earlier fissures, lava flows, and steaming areas. Inset map (lower right) shows fissures in Leilani Estates in the order they occurred since May 3. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

Due to the volcanic activity, the following are issued:

• Residents of lower Puna: there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, so take this time to prepare. If you evacuate voluntarily, pet-friendly shelters are open at Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center.
• Highway 132 is closed at Pohoiki Road intersection. Only local traffic allowed on Highway 132 (Pahoa-Kapoho Road) and Highway 137 (Beach Road).
• Highway 130 is closed at the intersection of Highway 132. Only local traffic allowed into Leilani Subdivision. Highway 130 remains closed between Malama Street and Kama’ili Road.
• Off-road sightseeing is prohibited. Stay out of the active eruption area. Allow the residents to care for their business.
• Vacation rentals in lower Puna are directed to cease operations to relieve the demand for water as well as reduce the area population so emergency responders can focus on residents who live in the area.

Due to the continued volcanic activity on Hawaiʻi Island, three charter schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 14, according to the Public Charter School Commission:

• Volcano School of Arts & Sciences
• Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki, LPCS
• Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science Public Charter School