(BIVN) – Episode 54 in the ongoing eruption at the summit of Kīlauea got underway Tuesday morning.
The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued an updated Volcanic Activity Notice, reporting the high lava fountain phase of the episode began at 10:30 a.m. HST.
“North vent fountains are currently about 50-75 feet (15-20 meters) meters high and are expected to grow rapidly to about 500 feet (150 meters) in the next 1-2 hours,” the Observatory wrote.
“Fountain heights are expected to be less that 500 feet (150 meters) and produce moderate amounts of tephra,” the Observatory VAN noted. “Most large tephra will fall close to the vents, but fine ash and Peleʻs hair could be distributed to Pāhala and other communities in Kaʻū.”
The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement due to the eruption, reporting:
…PERIODS OF ASHFALL LIKELY FROM KILAUEA VOLCANO…
Episode 54 of lava fountaining in Halemaumau began at 10:30 HST this morning. Web cams and radar data indicate that occasional small bursts of volcanic ash continue to emanate from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. Low level trade winds will push ash toward the southwest, and any ash fallout will likely occur over the Kaʻū District and Highway 11 southwest of the town of Volcano. This includes the communities of Pahala, Wood Valley, Naʻalehu and Ocean View.
Avoid excessive exposure to ash which is an eye and respiratory irritant. Those with respiratory sensitivities should take extra precaution to minimize exposure.
The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense stated in a radio message that “trade winds are forecast to carry ashfall southwest into the Kaʻū Desert, and away from nearby communities.”
