FOG BLOG U.S. NEWS LOG: MOLTEN LAVA FROM MAUNA LOA VOLCANO COULD BLOCK MAJOR HIGHWAY!

Hawaii's Mauna Loa: Molten lava threatens to block main highway as tourists flock to catch a glimpse of volcano The molten rock could make the road impassable and force drivers to find alternative coastal routes in the north and south, adding hours to commute times. Hawaii's residents are bracing for further disruption if lava from Mauna Loa volcano slides across a key highway and blocks the quickest route connecting two sides of the island.

It comes after the spectacle of incandescent lava spewing from the volcano last Sunday for the first time in 38 years has attracted thousands of visitors to the city of Hilo. But now, the molten rock could make the road impassable and force drivers to find alternative coastal routes in the north and south, adding hours to commute times. The lava is oozing slowly at a rate that may reach the road next week, but its unpredictable path might change course or the flow could stop completely and spare the highway.

US Geological Survey scientists said the slow-moving flow was coursing around 2.7 miles (4.3km) from the road on Friday.

Earlier this week, the state Department of Transportation took steps to remove potential traffic obstacles on the northern coastal route by reopening a lane across Nanue Bridge that was closed for repairs.

Geologists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said if Mauna Loa follows historical patterns, the eruption is expected to continue for one to two weeks.