Volcano disrupts life in Alaska towns

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

Plumes of ash from the volcano drifted across Cook Inlet.

They then moved into Homer, 75 miles to the northeast, halting air travel and closing schools.

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

The National Weather Service warned about 16,000 residents on the peninsula and Kodiak Island to the south about the ash cloud, which could pose health risks, especially for people with respiratory problems.

Alaska Airlines also canceled 28 flights into Anchorage and Fairbanks on Friday and early yesterday as a precaution.