Mauna Loa erupting

[ironyak]

Based on the reports of "above the observatory" for the vents it looks like the flows have a good chance of destroying the NOAA observatory before moving toward the highway in the direction of Waikaloa.

Ah, but NOAA/MLO prepared for this possibility.

https://www.google.com/maps/@19.5343615,...a=!3m1!1e3
https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr82314

Until the flow is mapped better, it's unclear if their diversion barriers will be put to the test, but one branch of the flow does looks to be heading more straight towards Saddle while the other looks more pointed to the NE (Saddle road/Hilo).

Edit: USGS saying NOAA/MLO not under thread at this time, but the access road is (so the flow is more to the NE apparently).
https://twitter.com/USGSVolcanoes/status...1412169729

Useful map of historical Mauna Loa flows to see how they interact with the broad slopes towards Hilo or pool along Saddle.
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/map-sh...lava-flows