The Latest: Alaska volcano no longer spewing big ash cloud

A spokeswoman for Alaska Airlines says the carrier has resumed normal operations after an erupting volcano disrupted flight plans earlier this week.

Volcanic ash is sharp and abrasive and can cause a jet engine to shut down.

Spokeswoman Bobbie Egan in an email says flights to six affected communities resumed Wednesday.

A village not far from an erupting Alaska volcano has urged residents to stay indoors after the mountain rained down ash that coated the ground and turned some rooftops and car windows black.

U.S. Geological Survey geologist Kristi Wallace says there were reports of a significant ash fall in Nelson Lagoon, a village of 39 people near the mountain.