Authorities warn of dangerous driving conditions in northern Finland as heavy rain leads to icy roads

On Sunday evening, local authorities issued a warning about extremely poor driving conditions in northern areas extending from Rovaniemi and across western Lapland. The region is experiencing heavy rain, resulting in icy roads.

Officials are urging people to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. A police patrol traveling between Sodankylä and Rovaniemi reported that the conditions were extremely hazardous, with vehicles at risk of skidding even at speeds of 40 kilometers per hour. This was particularly concerning given that police vehicles are equipped with high-quality tires.

On Sunday night, there were around a dozen incidents of vehicles leaving the road and minor traffic accidents; fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities noted that the roads had been coated with supercooled water, suggesting that icy conditions would likely persist into the morning hours.