Mount St. Helens, a previously dormant volcano in southern Washington, erupts at 8:32am, causing the most destructive volcanic event in American history. The volcano had been active two months prior to the eruption, as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) had recorded earthquakes and volcanic disruptions. The USGS warnings closed off access to the volcano. Nevertheless, the eruption caused 57 deaths and over $1 billion in property damage.
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