Alaskan Volcano Erupts Twice; Ash Reaches Anchorage
Redoubt Volcano erupted twice within an hour Wednesday, causing a cloud of ash that disrupted airline schedules and fell on Anchorage for the first time.
A moderate-size eruption occurred shortly before 9 a.m. and a second, much stronger blast came about an hour later. They sent a plume of smoke and ash 37,000 feet into the air, said Tom Miller of the Alaska Volcano Observatory.
Most of the debris drifted east-northeast toward the Nikiski area of the Kenai Peninsula, but a light coating of ash was observed more than 100 miles away at Elmendorf Air Force Base, and in downtown Anchorage.
Some flights were canceled or diverted from Anchorage International Airport, but operations there continued, a spokeswoman said.
The criminal trial of Exxon Valdez skipper Joseph Hazelwood was recessed for the day two hours early. Superior Court Judge Karl Johnstone expressed concern that jurors would not be able to get home.
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