A state of uncertainty has been declared over the expected storms today, January 30.
Yellow and Orange weather advisories are in effect for much of the nation, and experts expect conditions to worsen significantly after noon today.
Wind speeds are expected between 15 to 30 m/s [34 to 67 mph].
In light of the conditions, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management has declared a state of uncertainty. Disruptions to traffic throughout Iceland are also expected. Residents are advised not to travel until tomorrow, especially in areas under the orange warning, including South Iceland, the Westfjords, the Faxaflói Bay, and Southeast Iceland.
In a statement to Vísir, Einar Sveinbjörnsson, a meteorologist for the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, said: “From noon and on we expect it to really start howling, with weather conditions quickly worsening after noon. It’s an easterly wind, so we expect it to be especially windy in the south, by Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull, but as of now we are still unsure about the precipitation, whether it will rain or snow.”
He further stated: “It’s the kind of storm that passes, and by evening it will largely subside, though not completely because the wind direction will change and the weather will be different tomorrow night.”
Travellers can expect road closures throughout the country. Given conditions, closures are considered likely on Hellisheiði, an important stretch of Route 1 connecting the capital region and South Iceland.
