14 Mar 2022 | 06:17 AM UTC
Iceland: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least March 15
Strong winds and heavy rainfall forecast across Iceland through March 15. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Storms bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall are forecast across Iceland through at least March 15.
As of early March 14, the Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange warnings for southeasterly and southerly storms with snow or sleet and considerable rain (the second-highest level on a three-tier scale): Capital Region, southern Eastern Region, southern Northeastern Region, Northwestern Region, northwestern Southern Peninsula, northern Southern Region, Western Region, and Westfjords regions; hazardous travel conditions are possible.
Yellow warnings for southeasterly storm and considerable rain: the rest of Iceland.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storm could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across Iceland. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely cause ground transport disruptions in some affected parts of the country. Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are likely on secondary and rural roadways in affected areas as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become hazardous. Gusty winds may topple high-profile vehicles in some affected areas. Hazardous weather conditions might also cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across Iceland over the coming hours and days, including Keflavik Airport (KEF).
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through affected areas. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
