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
Significant Winds and Hail Possible for the Plains

Significant Winds and Hail Possible for the Plains

Storms continue across the High Plains for th

25 Aug 2026 1:45 AM
Extreme Heat Returns to Los Angeles and the Southwest

Extreme Heat Returns to Los Angeles and the Southwest

High pressure has returned to the Southwest.

25 Aug 2026 1:40 AM
Rounds of Storms for the Southeast

Rounds of Storms for the Southeast

In addition to the hot temperatures across th

25 Aug 2026 1:30 AM
Atlantic Tropics: Two Areas of Investigation

Atlantic Tropics: Two Areas of Investigation

El Niño has been smothering tropical waves in

25 Aug 2026 12:55 AM
Moke Weakens, Still Multiple Waves in the Pacific

Moke Weakens, Still Multiple Waves in the Pacific

TROPICAL DEPRESSION MOKEJust a little over a

24 Aug 2026 2:20 PM
Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

Stifling Heat Holds Steady for Southern U.S.

Record heat rolls on across the Lone Star Sta

24 Aug 2026 12:30 PM
Severe Storms and Heavy Rain Across the East Coast

Severe Storms and Heavy Rain Across the East Coast

A stormy end to the week is taking shape for

21 Aug 2026 10:00 AM