'It Seemed Apocalyptic' 40 Years Ago When Mount St. Helens Erupted

"By then, heavy ashfall closed roads, schools and airports across eastern Washington. Even mail delivery stopped. The ash was blinding for drivers and dangerous if inhaled. It seized the engines of cars and caused a run on pantyhose, which was then wrapped around carburetors and air filters for protection."

"None of that compared to what it was like up close and inside that volcanic maelstrom."

"And it all began without warning. Despite two months of earthquakes, ashfall and a growing bulge on the north side of the mountain, the night before was quiet. That morning was tranquil. The cone-shaped mountain had a white mantle of snow."

"'If there had been an emission [of ash] it would be black,' reported Gerry Martin, a ham radio operator stationed on a ridge 8 miles from the summit. Martin was part of a network of volunteers monitoring the mountain for Washington's emergency management agency."

"'We'll see what happens today,' he said."