JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Heads up, Florida! Volcanic ash is moving over the state Saturday evening.
This means vibrant sunsets may be seen across portions of the state, including right here in Northeast Florida. That's because the small particles and gas from eruptions cause the sunlight to scatter and refract in colorful ways.
As of last check, there is a plume moving over the waters of the Big Bend at 30,000 feet, making planes flying at that level divert. It is moving northeast at 20 knots.
Pilots in Sarasota, Florida reported seeing ash earlier Saturday.
The volcano Popocatepetl is active in central Mexico. Upper-level winds are pushing the ash over the Gulf of Mexico and across parts of Florida.
You can learn more about the ash on the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center website.
