(USGS full map) Map as of 6:45 a.m. HST, May 15, shows the location of the ‘a’ā lava flow spreading from fissure 17; the flow front at the time is shown by the small red circle with label. The flow is following well a path of steepest descent (blue line), immediately south of the 1955 ‘a’ā flow boundary. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – Hawaii County Civil Defense reports that fissure 6 near Leilani Avenue and Pohoiki Road, previously quiet, has become active once again.

Lava fountaining and spatter were observed at fissure 6 by USGS scientists as of about 4:45 p.m., civil defense says.

Downrift, the officials report the flow from fissure 17 has had little advancement downslope. As of 6:45 a.m. this morning, the lava flow was nearly 1.5 miles in length.

Earlier this morning, a new fissure (number 20) located near fissure 18 produced two small pads of lava.

The new activity was reported in a 6 p.m. message from Hawaii County Civil Defense. The message also stated USGS “has increased the Aviation Color Code to Red due to increased ash emission from Kilauea. Ash has been rising nearly continuously from the vent and drifting downwind to the southwest. Ashfall and vog have been reported along Highway 11 to Pahala. At any time, activity may increase the intensity of ash production.”

Civil Defense also shared these updates:

• Volcano School of Art and Science will be closed tomorrow (5/16/18).
• Hawaii Fire Department reports that air quality is condition RED around fissures in the southeast area of Lanipuna Gardens and surrounding farm lots on Pohoiki Road. Condition RED means immediate danger to health so take action to limit further exposure. Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) gas from fissures is especially dangerous for elderly, children/babies and people with respiratory problems.
• The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced that Highway 130 is open beyond Malama Street for local residents only. The Hawaii Police Department reports no large trailers or heavy equipment will be allowed over the metal plates.
• Highway 132 is closed at Pohoiki Road intersection and a checkpoint is located on Highway 130 by Pahoa High School. Only local traffic allowed beyond all roadblocks.
• As a precautionary measure, residents of lower Puna are advised to be on the alert in the event of possible gas emissions and volcanic eruption. Because there may be little to no advance notice to evacuate, you should be prepared to evacuate at short notice. Take this time to prepare.
• If you evacuate voluntarily, the Pahoa Community Center and Kea’au Community Center are open. Food will be provided and the shelters are pet-friendly. This is a precautionary message. We want everyone in the Lower Puna area to be ready, and to remain safe.

(USGS) Incandescence observed at Fissure 14 around 10:30 a.m. HST. Pulsing, gas-rushing sounds could be heard coming from the crack. Yellow sulfur deposits appear on the crack margins.