Puna, Hawaii Lava Flow - September 21st Update
Do you want the good news first, or the bad news ? :-)
Bad news: the flow moved out of the heavily forested area it’d been moving through and northeast into grassland, and started a brushfire. So far more than 100 acres have burned, but there are no structures at risk. Crews are working to contain the fire and put out hotspots.
Good news: the lava flow has slowed considerably, advancing less than 75 yards since yesterday. However, those wacky guys at the USGS caution that it’s unknown if that’s due to a decrease in output from the source at Pu’u O’o, or if the lava is just filling a small depression in its path. It was noted that there’s noticeable deflation at the Kilauea summit which is consistent with reduced output - but that could change at any time.
Current projection is for the flow to reach Ap’a Street (Pahoa outskirts) on October 2nd; Pahoa Village Road (town center) on October 7th; and Highway 130 (your commute is fucked) on October 10th. But needless to say these projections are revised daily.