Kilauea Volcano Erupts in One of Hawaii's Most Powerful Episodes This Year

Hawaii's Kilauea volcano roared back to life Sunday night, spewing lava into the sky in what scientists say was one of the most powerful eruptions of the year.

The eruption lasted more than nine hours, with the volcano's south vent fountain shooting lava as high as 1,300 feet—taller than the Empire State Building.

Cloudy and rainy conditions at the summit made it difficult for scientists to get a clear view of the event, though the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the eruption's intensity through other monitoring systems.

The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory for communities on the east and southeast sides of Hawaii Island during the eruption. That warning has since been lifted.

Kilauea, located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has been erupting intermittently throughout the year. The volcano is one of the most active in the world and is closely monitored by USGS scientists.

No evacuations were reported, and park officials continue to monitor conditions at the summit.