Gases force closure of Volcanoes park

Dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide in the air forced the closure of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Wednesday.

The gas is being emitted at Kilauea from a new vent in Halemaumau Crater, the park said.

The National Park Service said the park will reopen when conditions improve.

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The National Weather Service had forecasted normal trade winds to shift, causing an increase in vog and sulfur dioxide levels. Vog is also expected to drift across Oahu over the next several days.

The park was closed for two days earlier this month because of high levels of the dangerous gas.

The park averages about 8,529 visitors a day, according to data from the National Park Service, making it one of the busiest attractions in Hawaii.