The Met Office keeps telling us we’re about to be affected by the worst weather in Reykjavík in 25 years. Since you may be wondering how bad it was 25 years ago, we’ll give you an idea.
That violent storm hit the capital in early February, 1991, mbl.is reports .
That day, the wind blew the roof off Landspítali National University Hospital and lifted cars off the ground on Engihjalli in Kópavogur, near Reykjavík.
Property damage was substantial. Several houses, both along the coast and in the countryside, were destroyed, and many others were damaged. Roofing panels came loose and blew all over Reykjavík. Window panes were shattered. Trees were uprooted. Rescue workers and volunteers put themselves at great risk saving property.
Out in the country, some farmers saw their sheds lift off the ground and, in some cases, blow up by the force of the wind.
Sheep were killed by the weight of fallen walls. Greenhouses in many places in South and West Iceland were destroyed. Airplanes and boats were destroyed or damaged. Four construction cranes and dozens of cars were destroyed and hundreds of cars were damaged. Tree damage in Reykjavík was the most in the city’s history.
Thankfully, there were no casualties or serious injuries to people.
You can see photos from the 1991 storm on RÚV and mbl.is
Follow weather updates on vedur.is.
