The Icelandic Met Office has issued a warning as a major storm is expected to hit Iceland on Sunday afternoon and last until late on Monday. The wind speed might reach 20-30 m/s on Sunday, or 110 km/h (65 m/h). On Monday, squalls near mountains might reach 50 m/s, or 180 km/h (112 m/h).
According to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, storms with sustained winds of 50 m/s are described as Category 3 hurricanes or “major hurricanes.”
The wind direction is forecast to come from the southeast to begin with, then from the south and turn to a westerly storm early on Monday. The weather is predicted to be worst in the southern part of Iceland on Sunday, and as the low pressure moves north, to be worst in West and North Iceland on Monday with sleet and snowstorms.
A travel warning has been issued for Sunday and Monday, ruv.is reports.
ICE-SAR search and rescue just released a statement asking people to take precautions, such as tying down loose objects including garden furniture, BBQs and trampolines. Windows should be closed, roof slates secured and campers sheltered from the wind.
Search and rescue teams will be on the alert. In a case of emergency, call 112.
