A powerful cyclone is moving into Iceland from the southwest earlier than forecasters had predicted, bringing potentially hazardous wind conditions across the country.
Meteorologist Einar Sveinbjörnsson has warned that the rapidly deepening low-pressure system will dominate the weather across South and West Iceland throughout the weekend. The most powerful winds are expected between 6pm and midnight on Friday. The cyclone will affect such areas as Kjalarnes, Hvalfjörður, Hafnarfjall, and east of Markarfljót. “It will also be windy along the Reykjanes Highway for a time tonight,” Sveinbjörnsson told RÚV earlier today.
Festival-goers heading to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands for National Day (Þjóðhátíð) celebrations should also brace for strong winds overnight. According to Sveinbjörnsson, it will be quite windy for a while around midnight but the blast will pass quickly. Looking ahead, the calmest and warmest weather is expected in East and Northeast Iceland, though occasional breezes are likely.
