Hawaii volcano's lava could block major highway

Volcanic flows on Hawaii's Big Island poses a potential future threat to the island's main artery.Red-hot lava is creeping towards Saddle Road, which connects the cities of Kona and Hilo and runs past along the now-erupting Mauna Loa volcano.Ken Hon, scientist in charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said the flow has "slowed considerably" and on Thursday was 5.3 kilometers south of the highway.

Gov. David Ige has issued an emergency proclamation to allow responders to arrive quickly or limit access as needed.If lava does cross the highway, the Hawaii National Guard can help plan for alternatives and try to set up bypass routes, the governor said.