This is the breathtaking moment a tornado formed over Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, swirling dramatically as lava fountains erupted just yards away.

Stunning footage captured by Mikee shows the rare funnel-shaped weather phenomenon dancing near the volcano's fiery outburst on July 9.

Mikee said: 'Got up and drove over to see her blowing and going.'

Authorities confirmed that this powerful new phase of the ongoing blast at the volcano's summit began early Wednesday morning.

Hawai'i County Civil Defence issued an alert to residents at approximately 8:15 am, warning that tephra from the eruption was falling on Highway 11, between the 36 and 40-mile markers.

This eruption, which began on December 23 of the previous year, follows a pattern of brief, explosive episodes—each lasting around 13 hours, separated by pauses ranging from one day to nearly two weeks.

Kilauea is the world's most active volcanic mass and is the central feature of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Its caldera is nearly three miles long and two miles wide, with an area of more than four square miles.