Evacuations Ordered in Iceland After Volcano Erupts Again

news image
Special Stories
18 Mar 2024 4:25 PM

The same volcano that has erupted 3 previous times this year has started up again. Near Grindavik, the volcano started erupting late Saturday night. The Icelandic Met Office said a 2.9 km (1.8 mile) fissure formed between Mount Hagafell and Mount Stora Skogfell.

The Met Office mentioned that the activity has waned noticeably over the past 24 hours but at times the lava was reaching speeds of one kilometer per hour (that's a little over half a mile per hour). While the pace of the lava has slowed considerably, if it makes it to the sea and rapidly cools, it could lead to some potentially hazardous gases. The Icelandic Met Office does not believe this is a likely outcome unless something changes.

A state of emergency was declared for the southern portion of the peninsula on Saturday, with "hundreds" evacuated from the Blue Lagoon thermal spa.

All Weather News
More
Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Another area to watch in the Atlantic

Tropical Update: Eastern Pacific Stays Active; Another area to watch in the Atlantic

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

28 Sep 2026 1:20 AM
Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

Another Round of Flooding Possible for the Southwest

In the last month, the southwestern states of

28 Sep 2026 1:20 AM
Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast, Bringing Coastal Flooding, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Powerful Nor’easter Slams East Coast, Bringing Coastal Flooding, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

A Nor'easter...in September? While most peopl

28 Sep 2026 1:10 AM
Nolo Moving West; The Big Island Seeing Impacts

Nolo Moving West; The Big Island Seeing Impacts

Weather Nation Correspondent Jonathan Petrama

28 Sep 2026 1:10 AM
Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

Major Flooding Possible in the Desert Southwest This Week

FLASH FLOODINGIt has been a very active week

24 Sep 2026 12:10 PM
More Flooding Concerns Out East

More Flooding Concerns Out East

WHAT TO EXPECTRecord rainfall fell this weeke

22 Sep 2026 1:45 PM
Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

Severe Threat Continues In The Southeast

WHAT TO EXPECTSevere storms developed Monday

22 Sep 2026 1:20 PM