Ice dams cause flooding in northern Finland, disrupting traffic in places

Rising water levels due to ice dams have cut off roads in parts of northern Finland, with authorities monitoring the situation and exploring ways to relieve blockages, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

Heavy rainfall and mild temperatures in recent days have increased river flows in Northern Ostrobothnia and southern Lapland, raising the risk of ice dams. The most severe disruptions on Friday occurred in Haukipudas, Oulu, where the Kiiminkijoki River overflowed onto Jokelantie road in two locations, forcing closures.

Local emergency response teams are assessing options to break up the ice dam. Meanwhile, meltwater and rain have flooded roads in parts of southern Lapland, as drainage systems remain clogged with winter ice.

Preventive measures, including ice cutting, have been carried out on the Simojoki and Tornionjoki rivers to reduce the risk of dams. Water levels are expected to recede as temperatures drop and rainfall decreases, though peak flooding on the Iijoki River is still forecast for April, with southern Lapland facing risks into May.