Episode 44 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kilauea volcano began at 11:10 a.m. this morning.

Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate that winds are blowing from the south, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material may be distributed to the north from Halemaʻumaʻu, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is now closed.

Tephra fall — fine glass particles that may irritate the skin and eyes — from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles of the vents, but lighter ash and Pele’s hair can stay suspended for large distances from the vents.

Due to the eruption, Highway 11 is closed from the 25.5 mile marker in Puna to the 40 mile marker in Ka‘u.

Motorists please avoid the area.

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