Lava fountains from an eruption overlook near Kīlauea Overlook. (NPS photo/J.Wei)

(BIVN) — Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park says visitors flocking to see the new eruption at the summit of Kīlauea should expect crowded viewing points, full parking lots and busy roads.

According to the National Park Service, there is a temporary flight restriction in place over Kīlauea at an altitude of 5,000 feet above ground level, extending two nautical miles from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.

The USGS Alert Level for Kīlauea is UHR and activity is limited to the summit caldera. The National Park Service states that the primary threat from an eruption is high levels of toxic volcanic gas and fine volcanic particles:

Strong winds are blowing the massive plume of volcanic gas away from the overlooks and southwest across an area that has been closed to the public since 2008. According to the USGS, the cloud reached about 6,000 feet above the ground at one point. By 5:30 a.m., a lava lake covered about 500 acres of the caldera floor and lava fountains in the southwest corner reached a height of about 250 feet.

Cars and tour buses fill the Steam Vents parking lot (NPS photo)

Park rangers encourage everyone to plan ahead and take the following precautions:

• Expect crowds. There will be limited or full parking in popular areas. Arrive after 9pm and well before sunrise for a better experience. The park is open 24 hours a day and after dark it is extremely dark. Bring a headlamp if it’s dark.
• Check the air quality before your arrival and during your visit. People with respiratory or heart problems and pregnant women are particularly sensitive to volcanic gas.
• Stay in LaneStay away from enclosed areas and away from cliff edges and other dangerous terrain. Always keep children close to you. Stay hydrated.
• Pay attention to nēnē. It’s breeding season for the rare Hawaiian goose. Nēnē is often found in parking lots and near roads. Drive carefully, never feed them, and maintain a distance of at least 60 feet (four car lengths).
• Drive safely. The holidays are the busiest time of year for park visits, especially during an outbreak. Obey the speed limit, pay attention to parking attendants and traffic controllers and remain alert.
• Check the park’s website before you arrive. The outbreak and other conditions could change at any time, resulting in closures and limited access, or the outbreak could end abruptly.
• Enjoy respectfully. Eruptions are powerful events when Pelé, the elemental volcanic force, returns to Halemaʻumaʻu crater. Watch eruptions in silence to hear the sound of lava.