During the update period the seismographs at the MVO were overwhelmed by a high level of microtremor caused by the approaching tropical disturbance. The amplitude of the tremor increased gradually from about noon yesterday and by 6:00 pm through to the 6:00 am this morning it was almost impossible identify the genuine seismic signals from the Soufriere Hills Volcano. A few long period earthquakes were recorded between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm yesterday and a regional event followed this morning at 6:22.
Visibility was poor yesterday evening and this morning, with the volcano obscured by clouds. There was a short period earlier in the afternoon when the entire dome became visible. Activity is now clearly concentrated on the southern part of the dome. The amount of activity there has been enough to build a second peak on the dome, which is at least as high as the main peak. Rockfalls seem to be concentrated on the southern side of this southern peak, and material is now building up behind Galways Wall. It is estimated that there is about 30 ft left before the wall is overtopped. There was a lot of fumarolic activity in the saddle between the two peaks. The northern parts of the dome appear very inactive, although almost all the flanks are still very steep and therefore have the potential for rockfall activity.
The threats posed by the Soufriere Hills Volcano continues at the same or greater severity as over the past several months. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas to the east and the upper Fort Ghaut, Gages Village and Upper Amersham areas to the west are still extremely hazardous. People should not enter these areas under any circumstances because they put themselves and others at direct risk of very serious injury or death. People are urged to keep visits to the evacuated zone to a minimum.