The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) and Hawaii County Civil Defense post information about the active lava flow on their respective agency websites every day.
For HVO’s written descriptions of the June 27 lava flow status and Kilauea’s summit eruption, see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php.
Typically, HVO issues the Kilauea eruption update each morning by 9 a.m. You also can call (808) 967-8862 to hear a recording of the update summary.
HVO also posts new maps and photographs, as soon as possible after each of its overflights, at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maps/ and http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/multimedia/index.php.
The frequency of map updates depends on several factors, including the level and location of activity and weather conditions that influence visibility during overflights. As of early March, HVO has flown over and mapped the lava flow once per week. However, should activity increase, causing homes and infrastructure be in immediate danger, HVO will increase its number of overflights to keep the public fully informed. When necessary, HVO scientists also map changes in the lava flow from the ground.
If significant changes in the lava flow are noted during HVO’s overflight, an afternoon or evening status report also is issued.
Currently, Hawaii County Civil Defense flies over the flow each morning, weather permitting, and reports the flow’s rate of advance and direction in a written update at www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/.
Civil Defense also reports on smoke conditions, road closures and other information about public safety. The department presents maps showing areas of activity in relation to roads and subdivisions in Puna.
To receive HVO’s eruption updates and status reports by email, you must sign up for the free USGS Volcano Notification Service (VNS).
You can sign up to receive these notifications, which include the Kilauea daily update, as well as other notes of significant volcanic activity, at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/.
