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
El Niño Powers a Party in the Pacific

El Niño Powers a Party in the Pacific

The Pacific hurricane season is showing no si

4 Sep 2026 1:50 AM
Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit the Roads and Take to the Skies

Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit the Roads and Take to the Skies

The unofficial end of summer is bringing anot

4 Sep 2026 1:30 AM
Multiple Rounds of Severe Storms Threaten the Northeast

Multiple Rounds of Severe Storms Threaten the Northeast

NEW YORK - Numerous tornado-warned storms mov

4 Sep 2026 1:10 AM
Marie's Moisture Pulled into the Southwest Labor Day Weekend

Marie's Moisture Pulled into the Southwest Labor Day Weekend

While many don't associated tropical storms a

4 Sep 2026 1:10 AM
Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

Intense rainfall has inundated parts of Texas

4 Sep 2026 1:00 AM
More Severe Weather For The Plains

More Severe Weather For The Plains

WHAT TO EXPECTThere is a significant severe t

3 Sep 2026 12:55 AM
Monsoon Moisture Brings Flooding Across the Four Corners

Monsoon Moisture Brings Flooding Across the Four Corners

Flood Watches are in effect throughout Arizon

1 Sep 2026 10:20 AM