Overnight activity has featured hybrid earthquake swarms and degassing from the top of the dome.
The level of seismic activity declined by 5pm yesterday, and then rose again between 8 pm and midnight when there was a swarm of hybrid earthquakes. A further swarm of stronger hybrids developed about 4.30am this morning and was continuing at the end of the present reporting period.
An inspection of the mountain late last night showed one main source of incandescent material near the top of the dome on the northeastern face which was generating regular rockfalls into the Tar River valley. At dawn, the mountain was clear and seen to be degassing steadily. There are three small spine-like extrusions topping the dome.
Pyroclastic flows and surges could occur again at any time, and travel into Gages valley, Mosquito Ghaut, Tuitt's Ghaut or the Tar River valley at any time. Access to Plymouth is restricted for the time being. Zones A and B, which include Tuitt's, Bramble, Bethel, Spanish Point, Farms, Harris and Trants, are extremely dangerous and nobody should go into this area at all.
Bramble Airport remains operational, but the public are reminded that it is open only for essential travel purposes.