Episode 31 of the ongoing Kilauea eruption began this afternoon, sending lava fountains shooting from Halemaumau crater as the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory warned residents about potential hazards.

The eruption started at 2:04 p.m., with fountaining from the north vent that reached roughly 100 feet high initially. Previous episodes have produced fountains over 1,000 feet and eruptive plumes as high as 20,000 feet above sea level, the HVO said.

All activity remains confined to Halemaumau crater within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and officials said commercial airports in Hawaii County are not affected. Winds from the northeast at 15 to 20 mph may push volcanic gas and fine particles toward areas south and southwest of the summit, according to the National Weather Service.

HVO said hig

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