Alaskans brace for Redoubt Volcano eruption

It's not as though we haven't had our share of weather challenges this year. According to a meteorologist friend, the nice little cold snap we recently experienced is getting ready to pale in comparison to the cool temps heading our way. What was 60 below zero could very well turn into 80 below.

Now, of course we're hearing rumblings that Mt. Redoubt near Anchorage is getting ready to blow her top. The folks at the Alaska Volcano Observatory have observed significant seismic activity at Redoubt, signaling an eruption could be imminent. An AVO observation flight this afternoon reported no sign of ash emission, but observed significant steaming from a new melt depression at the mouth of the summit crater near the vent area of the 1989-90 eruption.

Unlike Hawaii's volcanoes, you won't see a red river of lava flowing from Alaska's volcanoes. What you will see is ash shooting up to 50,000 feet into the jet stream. The particulate matter is a very abrasive rock fragment that can injure skin and damage eyes and breathing passages. It can also cause serious damage to vehicles, buildings and aircraft flying into the cloud. Should there be an eruption, do not go outside unless it's absolutely necessary and remember to use a face mask to keep from breathing in the ash. The very young, the very old and those with respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors at all costs.

Always be prepared. It's worked for the boy scouts for almost 100 years. Both FEMA and the US Geological Survey websites have great information for preparing for and dealing with the aftermath of an eruption. Do you have plans to fly into or out of Alaska in the next few days? An eruption could ground flights around the state. Flight information can be found on the Anchorage International and Fairbanks International Airport websites. Current ash fallout trajectory maps (updated by NOAA every six hours) show the wind carrying the ash cloud away from Fairbanks... Let's hope that holds true.

Follow the Alaska Volcano Observatory and receive hourly updates on Twitter.