Scientists say higher sulfur dioxide emissions recorded at the volcano’s summit in recent days are creating the potential for heavier than usual vog, or volcanic smog.

A third lava flow streamed into the ocean on Thursday as U.S. Marine Corps helicopters stood by to evacuate a Big Island community should molten rock or huge cracks block its final escape route.

Lava from the volcano erupting on Hawaii’s Big Island reached the Pacific Ocean for the first time Saturday night, creating fears of an effect referred to as "laze."