Hawai’i Island, United States – A powerful new episode in the ongoing eruption at the summit of Kīlauea volcano began early Wednesday morning.

The eruption started at 4:10 a.m. HST on July 9. By 6 a.m., lava fountains shooting from the north vent had reached heights of approximately 1000 feet (305 meters).

At 8:15 a.m., Hawai’i County Civil Defense issued an alert to residents.

They warned that tephra from the eruption was falling on Highway 11 between the 36 and 40 mile markers. Drivers were urged to proceed with caution.

Traffic congestion and slow-moving vehicles were reported in and around the National Park. Authorities advised motorists to watch for pedestrians and vehicles near roadways.

Volcanic ash, pumice, and Peleʻs hair were blowing to the south-southwest of the vent.

According to a 5 a.m. Volcanic Activity Notice from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, winds were moving from the north-northeast at about 15 miles per hour. This pattern is pushing volcanic gas emissions and debris toward the south-southwest.

USGS noted that these trade winds typically shift more toward the northeast during daylight hours.

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