Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – High lava fountains burst from the summit of Kilauea Volcano on Sunday as episode 42 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption began around 1:50 p.m. HST.

Lava movement was seen overnight and early in the morning inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Continuous lava overflows started at the south vent at 1:08 p.m. HST.

“At 2:45 p.m. HST, both vents are fountaining, with fountain heights of approximately 1,000 to 1,200 feet high (300-350 meters) and about 800-100 feet high (250-300 meters) from north and south vent, respectively,” reported the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Ash and tephra were carried toward the southwest by strong winds as the eruption plume climbed above 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) above sea level. Scientists said fine ash and Pele’s hair could spread in other directions depending on plume height.

By 2:58 p.m. HST, no tephra had fallen in public areas. The volcano alert level remains at WATCH, with all lava confined to the summit caldera.

“Current winds are taking the gas emissions and volcanic material to the Southwest of the Kilauea Volcano,” Hawaii County Civil Defense warned, noting that wind direction could change at any time.

Officials cautioned drivers about tephra lowering visibility and increasing congestion, and urged people to limit exposure. No road closures had been reported as of 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued an Ashfall Advisory for windward Kaʻū, Puna, and Hilo, warning of possible harm to crops and animals, minor infrastructure damage, reduced visibility, and widespread cleanup. People with respiratory illnesses were advised to remain indoors and cover their mouth and nose if outside.

Later that night, episode 42 ended suddenly at 11:38 p.m. HST after 9 hours and 48 minutes of nonstop lava fountaining.

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