(ABOVE MAP) This morning’s Civil Defense Lava Flow Map – updated Saturday, 12/20/14 at 7:00 am

NEWS BRIEFS

• The lava flow continues its slow downslope advance, moving 160 yards east-northeast since yesterday.
• Businesses continue to prepare for possible evacuation. The Pahoa Longs Drugs store will close today. Still, a number of businesses in the Pahoa Marketplace are staying open until “the last minute”.
• The Railroad Avenue emergency access road opens today at noon after a 10 a.m. blessing. Highway 130 remains open and there is no anticipated road closure at this time.

PRIMARY SOURCES

This morning’s assessment shows that the flow front remains active and continues to advance in an east-northeast direction. The flow front remains narrow and continues to be slow. The active flow had advanced approximately 160 yards since 6:30 a.m. yesterday morning and the front remains approximately 0.7 miles 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 to heavy with a light trade wind blowing the smoke in a south/southeast direction. Smoke conditions may increase in some areas and individuals who may be sensitive or have respiratory problems are advised to take necessary precautions and to remain indoors.

The Railroad Avenue alternate access road will be opened for use starting today, Saturday December 20th from 12:00 noon. This is to allow for motorists to become familiar with the road and traffic flow. Highway 130 remains open and there is no anticipated road closure at this time.

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. 20 at 8 a.m. HST

USGS webcam (8:24 a.m. HST) shows the June 27th Flow from Pāhoa Marketplace looking mauka or upslope. Smoke can be seen as the lava burns vegetation.