The USGS has called Episode 46 has begin with some low level fountaining of about 200 feet. As previously stated, eruptions USUALLY last about 12 hours but can END AT ANY TIME. So I don't want to hear about it if you drove 2 hours and it stopped.
Winds are to the south so no threat of tephra.
From the USGS
Volcanic Activity Summary:
Episode 46 of lava fountaining in Halemaʻumaʻu began at the summit of Kīlauea began at 08:17 a.m. HST on May 5, 2026.
Ground-level sensors near the eruptive vents indicate slack winds at ground level. National Weather Service forecasts light and variable winds becoming southeast 5-7 mph this morning. This suggests that volcanic gas emissions and tephra may be distributed throughout the summit region and north/northwest of Halemaʻumaʻu.
- All eruptive vents and lava flows are confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds is greatest within 3 miles (5 km) of the vents, lighter ash and Pele's Hair may stay suspended for large distances from the vents.
- Support science and community awareness by reporting tephra fall: https://hawaiiash.science/report_form
- Three Kīlauea summit livestream videos that show eruptive lava fountains are available here: https://youtube.com/@usgs/streams
- KPcam and MKcam provide views of the plume height for aviation purposes
- Additional short updates as the episode progresses will be posted here: https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/observatory-messages
- Timeline of eruptive episodes since December 23, 2024: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/science/eruption-information
Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.
NWS issued a Special Weather Statement on May 4, regarding preparedness for episode 46: National Weather Service