Mt. St. Helen's eruption is pre-empting CNN Inside Politics!

or, maybe Judy just couldn't stop crying.....



VANCOUVER, Washington (CNN) -- Mount St. Helens began blowing a large cloud of smoke and steam Friday afternoon following a week in which scientists have closely monitored the volcano.

Officials placed the region around the mountain on a volcanic advisory on Wednesday.

The advisory that was issued is the third of four levels -- with the fourth being eruption.

The volcanic dome within the crater of the mountain has moved about three inches since Monday, according to U.S. Geological Survey geologist John Major.

Friday's event was described as a small explosion by geologist Tom Pierson. It could be the first of larger events, including an eruption, or it could be the end of a recent pattern of activity.