Following increased activity over the past 24 hours the alert level was raised to ORANGE early this morning.
There were increased rockfalls and pyroclastic flows late yesterday afternoon and throughout the night. The flows were from the east and northeast of the dome and went into the Tar River Valley.
In addition there were long period earthquakes, many of which triggered rockfalls. From about 3 am this morning there was a swarm of hybrid events and also some volcano-tectonic events were recorded.
Ash from the Tar River Valley pyroclastic flows has drifted west over Plymouth and this morning is being swirled around by very strong winds.
Low clouds are covering the dome this morning (Sunday) but several helicopter flights are being planned so that scientists can try and see the extent of the recent pyroclastic flows.
At ORANGE alert, there should be no access to Zones A and B and only day time access of Zones C and D for those with a rapid means of exit.
The volcano is increasing in activity and all residents of Montserrat are asked to remain vigilant and stay tuned to ZJB Radio for updates.
Government Information Service