The explosions and eruptions at the Mount Redoubt volcano of Alaska continued on Friday, puffing clouds of ash as high as 50,000 feet above sea level. The Alaska Volcano Observatory reported that the Mount Redoubt volcano erupted two more times later Friday, sending ash clouds 40,000 and 51,000 feet high.

The ash clouds yesterday forced many drivers to rush to auto parts stores to get new air filters and compelled Alaska Airlines to suspend all anchorage flights. According to the scientists, the airborne volcanic ash, even in relatively small amounts, could damage airplane and automobile engines.

The Alaska Airlines reported that the mid-morning eruption of Mt. Redoubt forced it to suspend all flights into and out of Anchorage, Alaska. The Airline stated that the ash clouds, moving north and near Anchorage, were posing a significant risk to air travel.

According to Alaska Airlines, before leaving their places, the travelers should check the status of flights at alaskaair. com or 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522), where specific information about flight changes due to new eruptions at the Mt. Redoubt volcano is available.

Ben Minicucci, the CEO of Alaska Airlines, said, "We recognize these cancellations will significantly impact our customers intending to travel to or from Alaska. These decisions are guided by our commitment to safety, and we are making every effort to re-accommodate customers whose travel plans have been disrupted."

According to the National Weather Service, "most of the ash was expected to fall to the north, but trace amounts of ash from yesterday's eruption and smaller ones overnight Thursday could fall on Anchorage itself".

Since the series of eruptions started Sunday nigh last week, several explosions have taken place at the Mt. Redoubt volcano, located in Lake Clark National Park, roughly 100 miles southwest of Anchorage. The Thursday explosion sent ash clouds 65,000 feet high. The volcano last erupted in the winter of 1989-1990.