Molten lava flowing from a volcano on Hawaii's Big Island threatens to block the island's main highway

• Lava is threatening to overtake the highway on Hawaii's biggest island.
• Lava from the Mauna Loa volcano could cross the highway sometime next week.

People on Hawaii's largest island are preparing for molten lava coming from the Mauna Loa volcano to flow across the island's main highway, blocking the fastest route from one side of the island to the other, according to reports.

Hawai'i is the youngest and the largest of the state's three islands according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The island is nearly twice as big as the state's other two islands and is colloquially known as the "Big Island."

Lava is threatening to flow over the island's main highway and block the fastest route from North to South on the island, according to the Associated Press.

Frank Manley, a licensed practical nurse, told the AP that his commute to work is already one hour and 45 minutes each way to and from work on the highway. If the highway is blocked, it could add hours to work commute, doctors visits, and deliveries, the AP reported.

U.S. Geological Survey scientists said the lava was flowing around 2.7 miles from the road on Friday and could overtake the road by sometime next week, according to the AP.

US Rep. Ed Case and US Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele sent President Joe Biden a letter that said Hawaii would need "immediate help" if the lava blocks the highway.

—Congressman Kaiali‘i Kahele (@RepKahele) December 2, 2022