Kilauea erupts for the 49th time with fountains expected to grow fast

The 49th episode of the ongoing Halema’uma’u eruption began on Sunday morning, with fountains reaching 300 feet as of 10:02 a.m. (Courtesy USGS/KITV via CNN Newsource)

KILAUEA, Hawaii (KITV) -- The 49th episode of the ongoing Halema’uma’u eruption began on Sunday morning, with fountains reaching 300 feet as of 10:02 a.m.

The eruption began at 9:32 a.m. and officials reported a rapid increase in summit tremor along with ongoing summit deflation. Initially the fountains were about 50–75 feet high.

USGS officials expect the fountains to grow 600-800 feet within the next couple of hours. The plume is up to approximately 12,000 feet above sea level and is moving to the south west, according to officials.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported at 3:39 p.m., that winds have shifted, carrying the plume created by the Kilauea volcano eruption to the northeast and with it, possible light ashfall toward downwind communities.

Due to the shift in winds, residents downwind are encouraged to disconnect their catchment tank before the next rainfall, to avoid ashfall entering the catchment tank.

Report tephra or ashfall here, and click here for guidance for volcanic tephra fall.

Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.