Kilauea volcano continues to erupt in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from the new fissure vent that opened Wednesday just west of Napau Crater at around 3:15 p.m.
This is the fourth vent system of this eruption, and it began rapidly creating lava cascades or lava falls that poured over the western cliffs of Napau Crater. Fountaining remained strong earlier today, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
The rate of coverage indicates lava is erupting at roughly 5-15 cubic meters per second (6-16 cubic yards).
In total, approximately two-thirds of Napau Crater floor (about 125 acres) has been covered during this eruption since Sunday night.
The eruption is occurring within a closed and remote area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is no immediate threat to life or infrastructure.
Residents of nearby subdivisions may experience volcanic gas emissions related to this activity which may increase and decrease over the coming hours and days.