Emergency managers have stretched an ashfall advisory into Monday morning for the east and southeast sides of Hawaiʻi Island, warning that light volcanic ash could linger over communities from Hilo down through Pāhoa. The advisory is now in place until 6 a.m. HST Monday, and officials say the ash can cut visibility and irritate lungs, especially for people with asthma or other breathing issues. Local authorities are urging anyone with respiratory problems to keep outdoor time to a minimum.
According to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the overnight extension covers the east and southeast portions of the island. The agency also reminded residents and visitors that its social media feeds are not monitored around the clock and that anyone facing an emergency should call 9-1-1. Emergency managers are asking the public to stick with official channels for updates and to follow instructions from local authorities.
Why the advisory was issued
Kīlauea moved into a new summit fountaining episode Sunday afternoon, sending lava fountains close to or above 1,000 feet high and driving a strong plume that the National Weather Service measured up to 35,000 feet. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that these conditions can loft fine ash and glassy Pele’s hair high into the atmosphere, where winds can carry them downwind and drop them over populated areas. Heavier tephra tends to fall out near the vents, while lighter material can be pushed tens of miles away under favorable wind patterns.
Where ash may fall and what to expect
The National Weather Service initially issued an ashfall advisory for east and southeast Hawaiʻi Island through late Sunday evening as low-level winds steered volcanic material toward communities including Hilo, Volcano and Pāhoa. The National Weather Service shows an ashfall advisory in effect until 10:00 p.m. HST for parts of the island. Light ash, a fine gritty dust that can coat roofs, cars and crops, is the most likely impact, and forecasters warn that it can reduce visibility and potentially damage sensitive equipment.
How to protect yourself
Health officials advise that people with asthma or other lung conditions stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and set air conditioners to recirculate when possible, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. If you have to go outside, officials recommend covering your nose and mouth with a mask or cloth and temporarily disconnecting water-catchment gutters if ash is building up on roofs. Anyone seeing heavy ashfall or experiencing a health emergency should call 9-1-1, and scientists are encouraging residents to report tephra observations through the portal at hawaiiash.science.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to keep a close eye on updates from emergency management, the National Weather Service and USGS, since conditions can change quickly. For official notices and the latest scientific information, see the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
