Warn about blizzards and possible avalanches in the West fjords
A blizzard is forecast for the Westfjords. Map/Icelandic Met Office
A level of uncertainty due to the risk of avalanches was declared in the West Fjords from 10 pm, last night.
East to north-east storms are forecast with snowfall overnight.
“As the night goes on, the wind is more northerly, according to the latest forecasts and the cold weather. On Thursday and Friday, a northeast to northern blizzard, a shower of snow with limited or poor visibility and worsening driving conditions, and roads under steep mountains are expected to close due to danger of avalanches,” the Met Office’s avalanche risk blog says.
Today the forecast in the Westfjords is for northeast severe gale, 18-25 m/s, and heavy snow and blowing snow with limited visibility. Traveling is not advised.
Circumstances can change
It is not considered a danger in the region at this time but it is noted that conditions can change as the weather gets worse.
“Northern Iceland is also expected to experience severe weather in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday, with heavy snowfall and a windy northerly wind. No uncertainty has been declared regarding the risk of avalanches in the north of Iceland, but the situation will be reassessed today.
In the East Fjords, the forecast is for intense but short-lived precipitation overnight in the form of rain, but snowfall in the mountains.
People are advised to be cautious and keep an eye on weather forecasts. The Icelandic Met Office’s avalanche watchdog monitors conditions closely.”
Avalanche risk warning on Facebook
The Westfjords police also consider it a good idea to warn of the risk of avalanches. They do so by posting on the US social networking site Facebook.
The police point out that the weather is not expected to go down until Saturday morning and that heavy precipitation is expected.
“The situation in Súðavík, Flateyriarvegur road, and Raknadalsmountain in Patreksfjörður will also be monitored in particular due to the possibility of avalanche risk if the forecast is carried out,” the police statement states.
