The severe weather in the East Fjords is among the worst residents have ever experienced, RÚV reports. The situation is the worst in Eskifjörður, where a high sea level and hurricane-force winds have threatened the marina. Part of the dock came loose, but rescue workers managed to fasten it. The surf has inundated all docks and the whole harbor area. Roof sheets have blown off several houses. There was high tide at 5:30 am, but since then, water levels have subsided somewhat. Boats that came loose in the marina were successfully tied down. Basements have flooded and tidal waves have reached cabins, never before affected by sea water. Some homes are without power.
In Fáskrúðsfjörður, Björgvin Baldursson, foreman in the public works department, stated, “I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m afraid the east levee in the marina will not be what it was once the tide recedes.” He described the wind speed between houses as “going in circles.” Björgvin grew up on the coast and he has “never seen the sea reach as far inland as to the house where I grew up.”
In Reyðarfjörður, roof sheets blew off the offices of Alcoa aluminum smelter. Workers will not be transported to and from the smelter until their safety can be secured.
Five boats came loose in Höfn harbor, but rescue workers were able to fasten them.
Ring Road 1 is closed from Höfn to Fáskrúðsfjörður and from Egilsstaðir to Reykjahlíð in Mývatnssveit, and most roads in the East Fjords are closed.
You can follow the weather forecast on en.vedur.is and road conditions on road.is.
