Mauna Loa eruption continues, now threatens main Hawaii Island freeway

Lava erupting from Fissure 3 on Mauna Loa — Fissure Three producing a lava fountain on November 30, 2022. Picture by USGS

The present Mauna Loa eruption continues to dominate Hawaii information and wow onlookers with its dramatic lava shows. For an instance, try the sights and sounds of the next video captured by the Hawaii Division of Land and Pure Assets.

Mauna Loa Eruption-Leading Edge, 11-29-22 from Hawaii DLNR on Vimeo.

Such a lava is an a’a flow, which is fast paced. An a’a circulate creates jagged-lava rocks.

Although lava has been transferring shortly, partially because of the slope and gravity, it’s starting to gradual because it reaches flatter floor. As this occurs, specialists anticipate the lava circulate will unfold out and inflate.

As this eruption is fast paced for the time being, lava has traveled down from Mauna Loa summit and is presently headed in a path that places a significant freeway at risk. In our previous update, the circulate was greater than 10 miles away from any main street. Now, it’s lower than 3.5 miles away from Daniel Ok. Inouye Freeway! Specialists estimate that lava might doubtlessly block the street in as little as two or three extra days. In fact, nobody is aware of for certain what the volcano will do.

This street that’s at risk of being blocked by lava is Daniel Ok. Inouye Freeway. That’s the official title of Freeway 200, however most folk generally consult with it as Saddle Street. You may also hear it known as DKI Freeway. It’s essentially the most direct connection from Hilo to Kona. Specialists estimate that just about 6,000 autos use this street every day, largely by native residents. (See this KHON2 segment for hypothesis on how a Saddle Street closure might have an effect on the island’s visitors.)

Although the lava circulate may find yourself crossing Saddle Street, fortunately, the eruption isn’t presently transferring within the path of any inhabited areas. Additionally, from a traveler’s perspective, it’s price noting that lava is not transferring in direction of any resort areas.

In case you are visiting the island and want to observe the lava circulate, try this KHON2 phase on safely and legally viewing this spectacular and uncommon occasion.