Hazardous Driving Conditions Today

The Icelandic Met Office has issued a yellow winter weather warning for large parts of Iceland today, starting at noon. The warning extends from the West Fjords to Northeast Iceland and from the East Fjords to Southeast Iceland. Hazardous driving conditions are expected. The Icelandic Road Administration warns that even in low-lying areas in North Iceland, roads will be icy in the afternoon, as sleet changes into snow. 

In the West Fjords, Northwest Iceland, and Northeast Iceland, the warning is in effect from noon till midnight. Northeasterly winds of 10-18 m/sec are expected, with rain or sleet along the coast, but snow and blowing snow in the mountains, creating blizzard conditions, with limited visibility and icy mountain roads. That includes busy mountain passes, such as Holtavörðuheiði and Öxnadalsheiði, as well as Mývatnsöræfi and Möðrudalsöræfi. There will be considerable precipitation in the Strandir region of the West Fjords. Driving conditions will be hazardous.

In the East Fjords, the warning is effective from 2 pm till 10 pm. A northwesterly gale or severe gale is forecast, with wind speeds of 18-23 m/sec - the strongest wind in the southern part of the fjords. Wind gusts near mountains could exceed 30 m/sec, creating a hazard for vehicles sensitive to wind.

In Southeast Iceland, the warning, too, is good from 2 pm till 10 pm. A northwesterly gale or severe gale is expected in the eastern part, with wind speeds of 18-25 m/sec and wind gusts near mountains in excess of 30 m/sec – hazardous for vehicles sensitive to wind.

Before traveling, always check the latest weather forecast on en.vedur.is, as well as road conditions on road.is. 

On road.is, you can even check web cams in every part of the country. 

The latest alerts and warnings are always listed on safetravel.is.