Iceland Volcano Erupts in the Reykjanes Peninsula

news image
Special Stories
21 Dec 2023 1:35 PM

After an increase in seismic activity in November prompted evacuations to entire towns in the Reykjanes Peninsula of Iceland, the volcano finally started erupting on Monday, December 18th. The first eruption began at 10:17 PM local time on Monday, December 18th between Sýlingarfell and Hagafell. According to the Icelandic Met Office, the eruption is expected to weaken and aerial images have shown that the previous five vents are now down to three vents, erupting just southeast of the town of Stora-Skogfell.

Since this eruption began, there were about 320 earthquakes that were detected, the largest earthquake was a magnitude 4.1 which happened around 11:25 PM locally on Monday.

According to the RUV, a Level of Emergency has been declared by Civil Defense. There is no immediate threat of lava flow to the town of Grindavik and volcanic gas is drifting eastward over uninhabited areas and out to sea.

For more information, you can follow along with the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, also known as RÚV.

All Weather News
More
River Flooding Threat Remains Possible for Northwest

River Flooding Threat Remains Possible for Northwest

NORTHWEST - An atmospheric river aimed at the

10 Dec 2025 10:05 PM
Next Clipper May Bring Ice to High Plains

Next Clipper May Bring Ice to High Plains

Our next clipper system is set to move throug

10 Dec 2025 10:00 PM
Here Comes Another Push of Arctic Air

Here Comes Another Push of Arctic Air

The Northern Tier of the country is no strang

10 Dec 2025 9:45 PM
Blizzard Alerts Issued In West Virginia

Blizzard Alerts Issued In West Virginia

NORTHEAST - The northeastern U.S. is in for s

10 Dec 2025 9:30 PM
Record Warmth Out West, Except for California's Central Valley

Record Warmth Out West, Except for California's Central Valley

Strong upper-level ridging off the coast of C

10 Dec 2025 8:43 PM
Overnight Snow for the Colorado Rockies

Overnight Snow for the Colorado Rockies

DENVER, CO - Denver saw its first significant

6 Dec 2025 3:30 AM
Snow & Ice Lingers for the Mid-Atlantic & Appalachians

Snow & Ice Lingers for the Mid-Atlantic & Appalachians

Multiple low-pressure systems moving across t

5 Dec 2025 9:40 PM