Activity at the volcano increased gradually after 4pm yesterday, and a moderate but prolonged ash eruption started at about 6.30pm. This lasted almost two hours and produced an ash cloud which rose quite slowly to over 20,000ft, and pyroclastic flows into Mosquito Ghaut and Fort Ghaut. Those in Mosquito Ghaut reached down as far as Harris's, but the runout of flows in Fort Ghaut could not be seen through the thick ash and the gathering dusk. An inspection of the area will be made by helicopter this morning.
The rest of the night was quiet but the Chance's Peak tiltmeter shows a continuation of the same pattern of deflation and inflation following eruptive activity, and a further period of ash eruption and pyroclastic flow generation can be expected within the next two hours.
Everyone should continue to stay alert, and listen to Radio Montserrat for any announcements. The current area of activity in the crater makes Mosquito Ghaut and Gages the most likely pathways for pyroclastic flows and surges, but further flows in Tuitt's or Tar River are possible. The Belham River valley is also dangerous and should not be entered. Access to Plymouth is completely restricted, and people should stay completely away from the flanks of the volcano.