HOMER, Alaska (AP) - Snowflakes laced with fine, gray ash fell on communities south of Anchorage as a series of volcanic eruptions continued early yesterday on an uninhabited island dozens of miles (kilometres) away.

Plumes of ash from the volcano drifted across Cook Inlet and into Homer, 75 miles (121 kilometres) to the northeast, halting air travel and closing schools in some Kenai Peninsula communities Friday.

The 4,134-foot (1,240-metre) Augustine Volcano began erupting Wednesday after a 20-year lull. By yesterday morning, it had erupted at least eight time, and scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory said they expect more eruptions over the next several days or weeks.

"We're just sitting here waiting for the next event," said Peter Cervelli, research geophysicist at the US Geological Survey office in Anchorage.
The ash clouds can pose a health risk, especially for people with respiratory problems, and they can damage the engines of aircraft and vehicles on the ground.

Alaska Airlines cancelled 28 flights into Anchorage and Fairbanks on Friday and early yesterday as a safety precaution. The carrier resumed its schedule yesterday morning, but officials said they would still keep a cautionary eye on the wind and volcano.

Charlie Franz, chief executive officer of South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, said his staff was putting extra filters in the hospital's air handling system.

"Just don't go out if you don't have to," he said. "I think that's probably the best advice people can get.

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World