High Alert

Huge Ash Cloud From Hawaii Volcano Prompts Code-Red Warning

Ash could now disrupt aircraft routes.

Explosions and an enormous ash cloud from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano have triggered a red alert for aircraft for the first time since the eruption began 12 days ago. Ash rose to 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) above Kilauea’s crater and floated southwest Tuesday, prompting the red alert, which means a volcanic eruption is under way that could spew ash along aircraft routes. The ash also presents a new hazard to residents of Hawaii’s Big Island, already trying to deal with volcanic gas and lava that forced the evacuation of about 2,000 residents. Michelle Coombs of the U.S. Geological Survey described the ash cloud as “very hazardous for aviation,” and said her team isn’t sure what caused Tuesday’s more intense ash emissions.