Residents living near the Hawaiian volcano of Mauna Loa have been put on standby to evacuate as the ongoing eruption spews fountains of lava up to 60m (200ft) in the air.
This is the first time the volcano, which is the largest active one in the world, has erupted in 40 years.
Shelters have been opened in case the current situation takes a turn for the worse and the highest level warnings have already been issued to air traffic in the area.
Three fissures have erupted sending pillars of lava high into the air with the highest being estimated as between 30-60m (100-200ft).
Thankfully scientists have said all indications the eruption will remain in the Northeast Rift Zone of the fearsome mountain where few people are threatened.
Mauna Loa - meaning 'Long Mountain' - began erupting again at around 23:30pm on Sunday, local time.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued the highest level volcano alerts for people on the ground and flying overhead.
The most severe volcano alert-level is Warning which means: "Hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected."
This is the highest level of alert the USGS has, and it said: "Based on past events, the early stages of a Mauna Loa eruption can be very dynamic and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly."
Anyone in planes nearby are warned to expect volcanic ash in the atmosphere.
Currently lava flows are not threatening any downslope communities.
The shelters opened by authorities can be found at Kekuaokalani Gym at Kailua Park (Old A's) in Kona and Robert Herkes Gym in Pahala (Ka'u Gym).
By 1.30pm on Monday three fissures had erupted but only the lowest of the three fissures was still active.
A statement from the USGS said: "Estimates of the tallest fountain heights are between 100–200 ft (30 – 60 m), but most are a few yards (metres) tall. "
Lava has been flowing towards Saddle Road but one flow has stalled 11 miles away with others edging closer.
Still they remain at above 10,000 feet elevation and over 10 miles (16 km) away from the road.
The boffins have said: "There is no active lava within Moku'āweoweo caldera, and there is no lava erupting from the Southwest Rift Zone. We do not expect any eruptive activity outside the Northeast Rift Zone.
"No property is at risk currently. There is a visible gas plume from the erupting fissure fountains and lava flows, with the plume primarily being blown to the Northwest."
