Volcanic activity at the Soufriere Hill Volcano has continued along the same general pattern of the previous forty-eight hours. Rockfall signals of small to moderate size amplitude have been recorded on seismic stations closest to the volcano. The largest rockfall signals were recorded between 05:00 and 06:00 this morning. Views were obscured from the observatory but the airport control tower indicated that flows were seen coming down both sides of Castle Peak during that period.
Broadband tremor of low to moderate amplitude persisted throughout the night. This tremor is probably related to steaming from the volcano and is only being recorded on the Gages and Chances Peak seismic stations.
Up until sunset yesterday and early this morning the summit of the volcano was covered by very low cloud and no views into the crater area have been possible.
Scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory remain highly concerned about the current state of the volcano and the dangers that it poses to people and property on both the eastern and upper western flanks . It should be remembered that dome failure occurs with little or no warning. Failures generate death clouds or proclastic flows which are ve ry devastating. Visits to the evacuated zone should be kept to an absolute minimum. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas to the east and upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are all now extremely dangerous. The road between Lee's Estate and Ryners Village remains closed. People should not enter these areas under any circumstances. If they do, they put themselves and others at direct risk of very serious injury or horrible death.