Ash Fall and Hazardous Air Quality Warning

The National Weather Service issued the following special weather statement at 8 a.m. for communities downwind:

The web camera at Kīlauea Volcano Summit showed a burst in volcanic ash emissions from Halema‘uma‘u Crater beginning around 7 a.m. this morning.

Halemaʻumaʻu Overlook Vent from HVO Observation Tower May 15, 2018, 9:14 a.m. PC: USGS/HVO

Northeast winds will carry ash downstream across the Big Island Ka‘ū District affecting
the Punalu‘u, Wood Valley, Na‘alehu communities this morning and into early afternoon.

Avoid excessive exposure to ash which is an eye and respiratory irritant. Those with respiratory sensitivities should take extra precaution to minimize exposure.

USGS/HVO has provide newly organized information about ash hazards, gas hazards and the Lower East Rift Zone eruption.

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense messages regarding conditions, warning, and evacuations may be found online.