There are no reports of severe injuries to people as a result of yesterday’s storm, but property damage is significant. The Department of Civil Protection in Iceland thanks the public for heeding warnings, which, it says, no doubt saved people from injuries. Informing travelers of the impending storm was also successfully done. Rescue teams have been called out about 360 times since yesterday.
Rescue workers are still busy in the West Fjords and Skagafjörður, mbl.is reports, where attempts are being made at preventing a roof from blowing off a farm. Jónas Guðmundsson, ICE-SAR representative, states that about 700 rescue workers have taken part in rescue operations since yesterday afternoon. Winds in the West Fjords are still blowing at the speed of 22-28 meters per second. Rescue teams are expected to stay at work there and in North Iceland until noon.
The worst weather affected populated areas by Eyjafjöll, South Iceland, and Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands), where several roofs came loose and one of them landed in the neighbor’s yard, Vísir reports.
One container with household goods went airborne, and two boats sank in Reykjavík Harbor. On Háaleitisbraut, Reykjavík, a bus shelter shattered to pieces. In Kópavogur, near Reykjavík, a windowpane blew out of an apartment building in one piece, and many old window panes in Reykjavík shattered.
There were power failures in many parts of the country last night. The force of the weather prevented rescue teams in South Iceland from being able to answer all calls for help, according to Vísir.
All domestic flights have been canceled this morning, but the status will be reevaluated at 11:15 am. Bus services started late this morning.
Schools are closed today in many part of the country, but schools in the capital area are open. Parents are asked to accompany younger children to school. For a list of school closures check RÚV’s website.
Follow en.vedur.is for weather updates.
