Volcanic Ash — Vieques, Puerto Rico

2001-07-29 · Vieques, Puerto Rico

Wider weather episode

The Montserrat Volcano erupted during the late afternoon of Sunday July 29. A large amount of volcanic ash was released into the atmosphere during Sunday evening and night. Simultaneously, a strong tropical wave was crossing the Leeward Islands. Strong southeast winds moved the volcanic ash towards the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Rainfall during Sunday night and Monday morning deposited the ash across most of the Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico. This was a significant event. Roads, cars and vegetation were covered by an ash layer. Aviation operations across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were suspended until Tuesday morning.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5259960. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.