Kīlauea Volcano Eruption Prompts Rare Ashfall Warning in Hawaii

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Hawaii's Kīlauea Volcano erupted on March 10, spewing lava up to 1,300 feet into the air and sending plumes of smoke more than 30,000 feet above sea level. The National Weather Service issued a rare Ashfall Warning due to the significant ashfall accumulation and light winds spreading tephra through nearby communities.

Why it matters

Ashfall Warnings are extremely rare and are typically only issued when a volcano is undergoing a major eruption that could significantly impact the public, such as when ashfall accumulation reaches one-quarter inch or more. This eruption was the second time an Ashfall Warning was issued for Kīlauea, highlighting the severity of the volcanic activity.

The details

The eruption resulted in about 16 million cubic yards of lava covering half of the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Some of the tephra, or volcanic rock fragments, measured up to five inches in size. In addition to the Ashfall Warning, the National Weather Service may also issue Ashfall Advisories for minor eruptions with limited hazard extent, or Ashfall Statements when ash plumes rapidly diminish.

• Kīlauea Volcano erupted for the 43rd time on March 10, 2026.
• The last Ashfall Warning for Kīlauea was issued in January 2026.

What’s next

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and issue any necessary updates or additional warnings to protect the public from the ongoing volcanic activity.