Seismicity has been at a relatively low level for much of the night compared to the highly elevated levels of yesterday. Major seismic signals occurred at 00:10 and 02:20, both associated with ash clouds of unknown height or size. Other smaller signals continue to be recorded at the closer stations. Evidence continues for an explosive component to the current ash generation, although rock falls are still thought to be occurring and contributing to the ash clouds.
Visibility at first light was generally poor, with low cloud masking the upper flanks of the volcano and suspended ash still in the air. A field team from MVO is en-route to the east side to make observations from there, and the monitoring activities will continue at the highest level throughout the day.
Despite the relatively low level of seismicity, the volcano is still at a very high level of activity and could become very dangerous within a very short period of time. The population is urged not to enter the evacuated area during the day unless absolutely necessary and to continue to tune to Radio ZJB for the latest news on activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano.
The climatic conditions today are very similar to those of yesterday, and ash columns generated during the day can be expected to cause ashfall in the central and northern areas of the island.