Norway: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 1

Severe weather associated with a storm system named Ingunn is forecast across much of Norway through at least Feb. 1. The most severe impacts from the storm are expected to be along coastal areas of central Norway as the storm strengthens through Jan. 31; winds gusting up to 180 kph (112 mph) are possible in coastal areas of Trondelag and Nordland counties. Slightly less intense winds are forecast to impact much of the rest of northern and south-central Norway. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages in the worst affected areas. Heavy rainfall is also expected along coastal areas of Nordland early Feb. 1; flooding is possible in low-lying areas. Heavy snowfall is also likely across much of Nordland Feb. 1. Rough seas generated by the storm will exacerbate the risk of flooding in coastal areas. Rain and melting snow may trigger landslides in affected areas and strong winds may cause blowing snow across mountainous parts of southern Norway. Avalanches are also possible in mountainous areas due to slush flows and rainfall weakening the snowpack.

As of Jan. 31 the Norwegian Meteorological Institute has issued the following weather warnings:

• Red strong wind warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Across much of Trondelag and central and southern Nordland counties, as well as the Lofoten archipelago in Nordland County.

• Orange landslide warnings: Parts of northern Nordland and southern Troms counties.

• Orange strong wind warnings: The rest of Nordland and Trondelag not under red wind warnings, and coastal areas of More og Romsdal and northern Vestland counties.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Coastal areas of Nordland County.

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Across Nordland County and parts of southwestern Norway.

• Yellow blowing snow warnings: Mountainous areas of southern Norway.

• Yellow high water level warnings: The coast and fjords of Nordland County.

• Yellow landslide warnings: Parts of central and southern Nordland County.

• Yellow strong wind warnings: Across much of Finnmark and Troms counties in northern Norway and across parts of southeastern and southwestern Norway.

Red avalanche warnings are also in place across much of north-central Norway and orange avalanche warnings across northern and parts of south-central Norway. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly and mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Avalanches are also possible due to the snowpack being weakened by heavy precipitation.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected regions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.