A volcano has dramatically erupted in Iceland, expelling spectacular bursts of lava onto the landscape and emitting huge plumes of smoke into the sky. The eruption comes after weeks of seismic activity prompted the coastal town of Grindavík to be evacuated in November.

The eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula began at around 10 p.m. local time on Monday, December 18, following an earthquake around an hour earlier, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in a statement.

The office reported that the eruption was located close to Hagafell, 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) north of the town of Grindavík.

Officials said the eruption does not pose a threat to life but said the area was closed to all traffic and strongly warned people not to approach the area.

An aerial view shows volcanic activity in Grindavik on December 19.
An aerial view shows volcanic activity in Grindavik on December 19.
Marco Di Marco/AP
People view the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in south west Iceland.
People view the volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula in south west Iceland.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
A drone picture shows lava spewing from the site of the volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, on December 19.
A drone picture shows lava spewing from the site of the volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, on December 19.
Sigurdur Davidsson/Reuters
This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows its helicopter flying near to magma.
This image made from video provided by the Icelandic Coast Guard shows its helicopter flying near to magma.
Icelandic Coast Guard/AP
A close-up of the southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on December 19.
A close-up of the southern active segment of the original fissure of an active volcano in Grindavik on December 19.
Marco Di Marco/AP
The evacuated Icelandic town of Grindavik, right, is seen as smoke billows and lava is thrown into the air during the volcanic eruption.
The evacuated Icelandic town of Grindavik, right, is seen as smoke billows and lava is thrown into the air during the volcanic eruption.
Viken Kantarci/AFP/Getty Images
A police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavík.
A police vehicle is parked at the entrance of the road to Grindavík.
Marco Di Marco/AP
Local residents watch smoke billow as the lava colors the night sky orange on December 19.
Local residents watch smoke billow as the lava colors the night sky orange on December 19.
Kristin Elisabet Gunnarsdottir/AFP/Getty Images
A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday, December 18.
A volcano spews lava and smoke as it erupts in Grindavik, Iceland, on Monday, December 18.
Civil Protection of Iceland/Reuters