Some parts of Iceland are still in the dark after extreme weather caused power outages and property damage across the country, including in the Reykjavík capital area. Winds reached speeds of 40 metres per second in the Southwest region, though precipitation was less than forecasted. Many roads across the country remain closed and travel is not recommended.
Search and rescue crews in the capital area, South Iceland, and the Suðurnes peninsula received around 100 calls for assistance last night due to the extreme weather. Power went out in some parts of Reykjavík, as well as the nearby municipalities of Garðabær and Hafnarfjörður, when the storm was at its height last night. Weather conditions have improved, and the public bus service Strætó, which had cancelled its morning service, has now begun operating once more.
Residents of South Iceland between Hólar and Höfn were still without power as of 9:00 AM this morning, as some power lines were felled by the weather. Lightning, a rare occurrence in Iceland, had delayed repairs in the region. In West Iceland, parts of Melasveit and Kjós were also without power this morning. Crews were working to locate damaged equipment.
Conditions have already improved somewhat in West and South Iceland as the storm moves eastward across the country. Strong winds are expected in the region this evening, though nowhere near the speeds experienced last night.
