The Icelandic Met Office has issued a red weather alert for South Iceland tomorrow. An orange weather alert will be in effect for most of Iceland, as well. All roads leading to the Greater Reykjavík Area will be closed tonight and are expected to remain closed until tomorrow afternoon, RÚV reports.
Red Weather Alert
According to a recent update on the Icelandic Met Office’s website, extreme weather is expected tomorrow morning, with the possibility of hurricane-force winds in large parts of South Iceland. The weather will be at its most extreme between 6 am and noon tomorrow.
The Greater Reykjavík Area is expected to see “violent east winds … with [a] sustained wind speed [of] 28-35 m/s and violent and dangerous wind gust [that] may exceed 55 m/s near [the] mountains south of Borgarfjörður.” Somewhat calmer winds are expected in the northern part of the area. The Met Office predicts poor visibility, elevated sea levels due to storm surge, and a greater risk of damages from flying debris. Travelling is not advised while the weather warning is in effect.
State of Uncertainty
The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has declared a phase of uncertainty for the entire country tomorrow. From the Department’s website:
“[An] uncertainty phase … is characterised by an event which has already started and could lead to a threat to people, properties, communities or the environment. At this stage[,] the collaboration and coordination between the Civil Protection Authorities and stakeholders[is initiated.] Monitoring, assessment, research[,] and evaluation of the situation is increased. The event is defined and a hazard assessment is conducted regularly.”
For further information regarding road and weather conditions, see Safetravel.is.
