The eruption started at 11:38 p.m. Sunday local time but was obscured by darkness and snow. The height of the initial burst is believed to be 0,000 ft, with a warning of bursts to 50,000 ft. Notably aircraft between Asia and the East Coast of North America pass in the vicinity for fuel stops on their trips. For example, Hong Kong to Toronto stops in Anchorage. Alaska Airlines is reported to have turned back four flights bound for Anchorage to their cities of origin.

An ash cloud warning is in effect for Anchorage, with ash expected to land at 2am local time across the entire Anchorage area.

Scientists had upped their warning of an eruption in the 12 hours before it happened after a series of some 60 odd small earthquakes in the area.

Alaska’s Mount Redoubt erupts is a post from: The Inquisitr

Mount Redoubt, an active volcano 100 miles (180kms) southwest of Anchorage, Alaska is rumbling and simmering, with geologists warning an eruption is imminent.

Mount Redoubt has previously erupted in 1902, 1966 and 1989. The eruption in 1989 spewed volcanic ash 45,000 ft (14,000 m) into the air, throwing ash over an area of about 7,700 sq. miles (20,000 km²) including the Anchorage area.

Authorities are warning Alaska residents to prepare a disaster plan, stock up on food and limit outdoor activity.

Volcanic ash features small, jagged pieces of rock and glass that can cause damage by direct exposure.

Alaska Volcano Eruption: Mount Redoubt set to blow is a post from: The Inquisitr