Turrialba Volcano Continues Erupting in Costa Rica, Closes Schools

By Mark Leberfinger, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

March 13,2015; 10:46PM,EDT

 

 

Volcanic eruptions have spread ash across parts of Costa Rica and forced the cancellation of schools in the Turrialba area.
The Turrialba volcano erupted three times on Thursday, the last occurring at 2:50 p.m. local time, according to the University of Costa Rica.
The current series of eruptions began March 8. It marked the second major eruption of Turrialba in the last five years. Prior to 2010, Turrialba last erupted 145 years earlier.

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Al ser las 14:12 la erupción en el Volcán Turrialba se mantiene.

4:13 PM - 12 Mar 2015

Ash from the eruptions was forecast to fall over 40 kilometers (20 miles), according to a USGS forecast provided by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica. The observatory had received numerous ash reports from across the region.

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Mapa de caída de ceniza.

10:44 PM - 12 Mar 2015

Weather won't be a factor for any emergency operations in the region, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Rob Miller said.
"It's a tranquil time of the year there," Miller said. "There are trade showers along its Caribbean coast but it's otherwise dry."
The prevailing winds are out of the east, which will blow any dust or ash toward the Pacific side of the country, Miller said.
Schools in the Turrialba area were closed for Friday, according to Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission. A decision would be made later about Monday's classes.
No injuries or damage were reported, according to Costa Rica media.
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The eruptions also forced the closure of Costa Rica's Juan Santamaría International Airport until at least Friday morning, according to the Tico Times website.
As of Friday evening, the airport was open.