The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported today that the “high fountain phase” of episode 16 of the ongoing Kilauea eruption begun at 10:24 a.m.

Fountaining from the south vent rapidly increased to over 200 feet high by 10:40 a.m. and exceeded 700 feet by 10:50 a.m.

Low dome fountaining and overflows continued from the north vent.

Hawaii County Civil Defense earlier today warned that tephra was falling onto Highway 11 in the Ka‘u District between mile markers 35 and 37.

Tephra is rock fragments and particles ejected by a volcanic eruption.

“If you are in this area, please do not stop, do not get out of your vehicle, and keep your window fully rolled up,” said Civil Defense in an alert. “There are no road closures at this time. However, road closures could occur without notice.”

According to HVO, episode 16 of the eruption began at 10:57 p.m. Monday, with lava overflowing from the north vent.

The on-again, off-again eruption began Dec. 23, with each episode lasting for between 13 hours to 8 days, separated by pauses in eruptive activity lasting from less than 24 hours to 12 days.

All episodes have been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.