US: Officials report increased volcanic activity at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, as of late Sept. 16

Officials with the United States Geological Geological Survey (USGS) have observed increased levels of volcanic activity at the Kilauea Volcano, located on the Island of Hawaii (Big Island), as of late Sept. 16. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has reported a minor eruption occurred in the middle East Rift Zone (MERZ) late Sept. 15 and resumed during the evening Sept. 16. Increased seismic activity and ground deformation have also been observed. The eruptive activity has been confined to areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and does not currently pose a threat to the public. However, volcanic gas emissions could decrease air quality in areas downwind of the volcano over the coming days and more intense eruptive episodes are possible. Due to the increased volcanic activity, authorities have raised the Volcano Alert Level for Kilauea from advisory to watch and the Aviation Color Code for the volcano from Yellow to Orange (in both cases, to the second highest level on a four-tier scale). Chain of Craters Road, which is located downslope and downwind of the erupting fissures, is closed as of Sept. 16.

Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace, potentially impacting flights at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), Hilo International Airport (HNL), and other airports across Hawaii. Authorities might temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur.