UPDATE: Ashfall advisory upgraded to warning, portion of Highway 11 closed due to latest Kīlauea eruption

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the latest road closure.

Areas north and east of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, including the town of Volcano, are under an ashfall warning until 5 p.m. due to the latest Kīlauea eruption.

Episode 43 began within the park at 9:17 a.m. According to the National Weather Service in Honolulu, the public in the surrounding area could see more than a quarter inch of ashfall accumulation as a result of the eruption. Impacted areas are northeast of the park, including Mountain View, Glenwood and extending to the southwest.

An evacuation shelter in Pahala at the Robert N. Herkes Gym, located at 96-1219 Kamani St., is now open as Highway 11 is closed between mile markers 24 and 40 due to dangerous conditions, including tephra falling on the roadway, the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency reports. 

Talmadge Magno, administrator for Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, said the shelter opened to give people traveling through the area a place to wait out the ashfall until the warning is lifted.

Sensitive individuals affected by volcanic gases should shelter indoors or leave the area. 

The ashfall could disrupt utility services, including water, sewer and electric, according the National Weather Service.

Officials advise the public in the affected area to seal windows and doors. Protect electronics and cover air intakes and open water sources. Avoid driving.

Remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. Use extreme caution clearing rooftops of ash.
Listen to further announcements.