Overview
- Episode 43 began at about 9:17 a.m. HST on March 10 with twin vents at Halemaʻumaʻu producing fountains that exceeded 1,300 feet, according to USGS/HVO.
- USGS raised Kīlauea’s Volcano Alert Level to WARNING and the Aviation Color Code to RED as the eruption lofted an ash plume reported around 25,000–30,000 feet.
- The National Weather Service issued an Ashfall Warning as tephra, including ash, Pele’s hair and larger fragments, fell across downwind areas.
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closed summit areas and Highway 11 was shut for roughly 16 miles between mile markers 24 and 40 due to hazardous fallout.
- Air travel was affected near Hilo, with airlines canceling and diverting flights, while officials reported lava remained confined to Halemaʻumaʻu and the eruptive episode ended Tuesday evening.