ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Augustine Volcano erupted Friday for the third time in a week, sending an ash plume toward communities on the southwest Kenai Peninsula.

Tom Murray, scientist in charge at the Alaska Volcano Observatory, said the mountain on an isolated and uninhabited island about 180 miles south of Anchorage erupted for 45 minutes, starting shortly before 4 a.m.

The eruption was stronger than a pair of eruptions Wednesday and lasted longer. Murray said additional eruptions are likely.

National Weather Service meteorologist Bob Hopkins said the service issued an ash cloud advisory for residents from Ninilchik, 38 miles south of Kenai, to Kodiak Island. Residents were advised to remain at home or indoors and keep their doors and windows closed.

Satellite data indicated the ash plume thinned as it made its way across Cook Inlet toward the Kenai Peninsula. No heavy accumulation of ash was expected.

The 4,134-foot volcano erupted in 1976 and 1986. After the 1986 eruption, a 7-mile-high column of ash drifted over Anchorage and kept flights out of the skies over Cook Inlet.