A stream of molten lava from an erupting volcano on Hawaii's Big Island crept to within a mile of the only grocery store and gas station in the village of Pahoa on Thursday as it neared a highway link with the rest of the island.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported that lava from the Kilauea Volcano's June 27 eruption continued to move in an east-northeast direction, following the path of steepest descent through rough terrain and thick undergrowth.

Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey said the flow measured about 250 feet across and had advanced about 220 yards in 24 hours, putting its leading edge 0.9 mile from a small commercial plaza at the junction of Pahoa Village Road and the main highway.

Authorities said the lava was likely to reach the intersection sometime next week. An earlier branch of the lava flow stalled just feet from a recycling transfer station.

While the lava poses no immediate threat to homes, it is headed directly at the P