Storm Jakob causes limited impact in Møre og Romsdal despite red weather warnings in Norway

The storm “Jakob” did not have as severe consequences in Møre og Romsdal as some had feared when the area was marked red on weather maps, with significantly worse conditions reported in other parts of Western Norway.

In Møre og Romsdal, there were incidents of landslides, power outages, and road closures, but few serious events related to the forecasted storm. A red warning for flooding and landslides was issued for large areas of the region.

Early preparation played a crucial role, according to the county governor of Møre og Romsdal, Else-May Botten. “We received early warnings from the NVE and meteorologists about what to expect,” she stated, emphasizing that all relevant parties were well-informed in advance. Meetings were held on Wednesday with the regional emergency preparedness council and municipalities, allowing them to prepare for the heavy rainfall and the potential for water to take new paths. Cooler temperatures were anticipated for the weekend, which would help reduce the risk of landslides. Municipalities quickly began checking drainage systems and culverts.

Ørsta’s mayor, Per-Are Sørheim, echoed this sentiment, affirming that they took the warnings seriously and made preparations for potential incidents, given their past experiences with landslides and snow avalanches. While they did not activate a crisis team, they were ready for any situation.

Else-May Botten expressed gratitude that the situation did not escalate in Møre og Romsdal, commending the efforts of everyone involved in ensuring public safety. Her phone has been ringing continuously with updates and calls of thanks since the storm, highlighting the collective effort to navigate the challenging circumstances.