Lava picks up more speed

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The June 27 lava flow continues to pick up speed as it advances toward Pahoa.

The June 27 lava flow continues to pick up speed as it advances toward Pahoa.

Hawaii County Civil Defense said an overflight Thursday morning showed the flow had advanced 400 yards since Wednesday.

That’s faster than the average daily flow rate of 320 yards between Monday and Wednesday, and 235 yards per day from Friday through Monday.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Wednesday estimated the flow could reach Pahoa Village Road within 13 days based on observations from that day.

The leading edge of the flow is 50 yards wide, according to Civil Defense.

HVO and county staff couldn’t be immediately reached for comment.