EAGLE RIVER, Alaska — Alaska’s Mount Redoubt continues its volcanic explosions, the latest sending an ash cloud 50,000 feet above sea level that had some drivers headed to their local auto parts store for air filters.
The National Weather Service said trace amounts of ash from this morning’s eruption and smaller ones overnight could fall on Anchorage. Most of the ash was expected to move toward Talkeetna in the afternoon, about 100 miles north of the city, but the agency said the ashfall should be minor, perhaps one-eighth of an inch or less.
Redoubt’s increased activity had some Anchorage residents seeking advise on how to keep the corrosive ash from getting into their car engines. Cissy Matson, store manager for the NAPA Auto Parts Store in suburban Eagle River, said dozens of people had come into the store on Thursday when it looked like the city could get a dusting.
Today looked like it would again be a busy day, she said.
Early this morning, she was outside the store giving Becki Ezzell a quick lesson on where to put the new air filter she was buying for her 20-year-old daughter’s car. Ezzell said she wanted to make sure that if there was significant ash that Jessica’s car would continue to operate.
“I know that ash chokes off the air to the engine and it just stops. That would be very scary for her,” Ezzell said.
What worried Ezzell more today was when her husband would be able to get home. He was on a Northwest flight and ready to take off from the Minneapolis airport when the flight was canceled because of the volcano and everybody was told to return to the terminal.
“They were just getting on the plane and it blew,” Ezzell said. “He thought he was on his way home.”
Since the series of eruptions began Sunday night, the volcano has had several bursts. One earlier in the day Thursday sent ash 65,000 feet high. The last time the volcano had erupted was during a four-month period in late 1989 and early 1990.
Ezzell, who has lived in Alaska since 1969, said she’s seen far worse when it comes to volcanoes exploding and spewing ash on Anchorage.
“I’m not going to make a big to-do about a little ash,” she said.
Alaska Airlines says it has resumed a limited number of flights in Alaska when the air is clear of volcanic ash from Mount Redoubt.
The Seattle-based airline was forced to cancel more than 100 flights this week as a precaution against engine damage from erupting dust.
Alaska says passengers whose flights were canceled Thursday and today can rebook through April 2 without penalty or apply for a refund.
The airline is telling travelers to check the status of flights before leaving home at alaskaair.com or 800-252-7522.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
