UPDATE: The height of some Kilauea lava fountains is nearly 300 feet

UPDATED 10:25am

The Kilauea volcano erupted early this morning.

The eruption prompted the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to raise the alert level to “Warning” and the aviation color code to “Red,” indicating increased volcanic activity and potential hazards.

The eruption, which began around 2:30 a.m. in Halemaumau Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, was preceded by increased earthquake activity below Kilauea Peak that began around 2:00 a.m

Webcam images from HVO showed cracks creating lava fountains and flows at the base of the crater.

At 4:30 a.m. the fountains were observed reaching heights of up to 262 feet (80 meters). Molten material, including lava bombs, is ejected from vents on the caldera floor to the western edge of the caldera in the closed area of ​​the HVNP.

By 5:30 a.m. lava covered an estimated 400 hectares of caldera floor.

In a statement, HVO stressed that “the initial stages of eruptions are dynamic.” However, activity is currently limited to the summit area and the risks will be reassessed as the situation develops.

Lava flows are currently limited to Halemaumau and the eastern part of the summit caldera. The crater area has been closed to the public since 2007.

Visitors are encouraged to check the HVNP website for updates on access and security measures.