Alaskan Volcano Eruption imminent

Friday, January 30, 2009

 R. Clucas/Alaska Volcano Observatory

A volcanic cloud shoots up from Mount Redoubt during its last eruption cycle on April 21, 1990.

A volcanic cloud shoots up from Mount Redoubt during its last eruption cycle on April 21, 1990.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska  -  Hardware stores and auto parts shops scored a post-holiday run of business this week as Anchorage-area residents stocked up on protective eyewear and masks ahead of a possible eruption of Mount Redoubt.

Monitoring earthquakes underneath the 10,200-foot Redoubt Volcano about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory warned that an eruption was imminent, sending experienced Alaskans shopping for protection against a dusty shower of volcanic ash that could descend on south-central Alaska.

"Every time this happens we do get a run on dust masks and goggles," said Phil Robinson, manager of an Alaska Industrial Hardware store in Anchorage. "That's the two main things for eye and respiratory protection."

[An official with the Alaska Volcano Observatory told FOX News that they were expecting an eruption within days. The level of seismic activity had dipped from Sunday's peak, but the AVO did not feel comfortable lowering the threat level.]

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