(USGS) Map as of 12:00 p.m. HST, July 6, 2018. Given the dynamic nature of Kīlauea’s lower East Rift Zone eruption, with changing vent locations, fissures starting and stopping, and varying rates of lava effusion, map details shown here are accurate as of the date/time noted. Shaded purple areas indicate lava flows erupted in 1840, 1955, 1960, and 2014-2015.

(BIVN) – A Hawaii County Civil Defense message was issued at 6 a.m. Saturday morning, as the eruption on the lower East Rift Zone continues. The message stated:

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Fissure 8 continues to be very active and is feeding a lava channel to the ocean at Kapoho. The flow is producing a broad ocean entry along the shoreline, and continues to expand into Kapoho Beach Lots and the Four Corners intersection.

The following policies remain in effect:

• Four Corners and Kapoho Beach Lots are closed to any access.
• Be aware that spill overs of the channel and other breakouts are possible on the active flow field, do not access the active flow field due to extreme hazard.

UPDATE: According to this USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory post on Saturday morning:

Fountains from Fissure 8 spatter cone continue to supply lava to the open channel with small, short-lived overflows early last night. The spatter cone is now about 55 m (180 ft) tall at its highest point, and fountains rarely rise above that point. As shown by the July 06 thermal map of the flow field, the main lava channel no longer reaches the coast, the channel flow seems to stall about 2 km (1.2 mi) inland of the coast; however, lava is oozing into the ocean from multiple points primarily along the northern section of a broad flow front. In addition, multiple ooze-outs fed flows on the north and the southwest edge of the main `a`a flow but neither had lava actively entering the ocean.

Scientists say Fissure 22 is still weakly spattering this morning.

The National Weather Service forecast heavy rains and possible thunderstorms for the eastern half of the island from Hamakua to Ka’u. The safest place to be if lightning impacts the area is indoors. Be prepared for interruption of utilities.

UPDATE (8:30 a.m.) – The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a Flood Advisory for the areas of Pahoa and Kalapana until 10:15 a.m.

“At 7:13 AM HST, radar indicated an area of nearly stationary heavy showers over and downwind of the active volcanic fissures near Leilani Estates in the southern Puna District,” forecasters said. “The heaviest showers were falling at rates of 3 inches per hour over Hwy 130 just west of Leilani Estates.”

State Highway crews have completed repairs to Highway 11 at the 30 mile. Hawaii Police Department reports both lanes are now open.

The Hawaii Department on Transportation posted these photos (below) on Facebook showing the repair process.

According to Hawaii County Civil Defense:

Starting today, The Disaster Recovery Center will be open daily from 8am to 4pm weekends, and 8AM to 6PM weekdays. The Center is located at the Keaau High School Gym. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.

Additionally, the Salvation Army is operating a distribution center at the Pahoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9AM to 12PM and 2PM to 5pm. If you have items you wish to donate, please coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.