(BIVN) – According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that an Explosive Eruption at Kilauea’s Summit has occurred. The resulting ash plume will cover the surrounding area. The wind will carry the plume toward the southeast. You should shelter in place if you are in the path of the ash plume. Driving conditions may be dangerous so if you are driving pull off the road and wait until visibility improves.

UPDATE (6 a.m.) – In an updated message, Hawaii County Civil Defense said the ash fallout from the explosive eruption, which occurred at 4:17 a.m. at the summit, could blow north toward Ka’u, Mountain View, Kea’au, and Hilo. The following is advised:

• The danger from this eruption is ash fallout. The major response is to protect yourself from fallout.
• If this event occurs while you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed. Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities.
• If you are in your car, keep the windows closed. Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving conditions. Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park.
• After the hazard has passed, do check your home, and especially your catchment system for any impact that may affect your water quality.

UPDATE (6:15 a.m.) – The National Weather Service says radar estimates the height of the plume around 30,000 feet. “Volcanic ash is expected to reach immediate vicinity of the Kilauea Volcano Summit (Halemaumau Crater), including Volcano and Glenwood,” forcasters wrote in a new Ashfall Advisory. “Due to the sustained but low-level nature of ash production from Halemaumau Crater, ash accumulation less than one quarter of an inch is possible over the advisory area. Eye and respiratory irritants with low level impacts for most people.”