Severe weather alerts issued across Iceland as storm approaches Reykjanes

Severe weather alerts are in effect across nearly all of Iceland today, with yellow and orange warnings due to a developing storm located just southwest of Reykjanes. After midday, blizzard conditions are expected in the Westfjords and parts of North West Iceland.

The initial yellow weather warnings, prompted by a southern storm, were issued early in the morning for Faxaflói, North East Iceland, East Iceland, and the Central Highlands. By 8 AM, additional warnings were issued for Breiðafjörður, the Strands, and Northern West Iceland.

The region is experiencing strong southerly winds, heavy rainfall, and mild temperatures, while North and East Iceland remain largely dry. As the storm approaches the Westfjords, gusty winds with potential localized severe weather including downpours and snow showers are anticipated.

After midday, blizzard conditions will create hazardous travel conditions in the Westfjords and Strands, leading authorities to advise against traveling in these areas. The yellow warnings for the Strands, Northern West, and North East Iceland will escalate to orange alerts later in the day, indicating particularly dangerous travel conditions.

Southeast Iceland will see relatively calmer weather post-midday with light showers expected. Conditions will gradually improve across the country by late evening, with a milder southeast wind forecasted for tomorrow, along with scattered showers. However, Northern and East Iceland can expect generally clear weather with temperatures near freezing.

The weekend will bring fluctuating weather. Saturday’s forecasts suggest mild conditions with intermittent rain, while Sunday may turn more unsettled with a chance of sleet or snow in higher elevations.