The start of earthquake swarms in southern Montserrat began in January, 1992 with one of the largest such swarms occurring in June 1994. The initial stage of the eruption was wholly phreatic, with small amounts of ash and vigorous steaming occurring by mid July 1995.

By late September the first signs of dome growth in English's Crater had began with the appearance of a small spine in the southwest of the crater. Confirmation of true domal growth had occurred late November, 1995. Incandescent lava was also seen for the first time. By early December there was the evacuation of southern Montserrat that lasted until January 1, 1996.