Severe storm and heavy rainfall to batter northern Norway

A yellow weather warning has been issued for parts of Nordland and Troms counties in northern Norway, with meteorologists advising residents to stay indoors as strong winds and heavy precipitation sweep through the region, Dagbladet reports.

“Be prepared for significant wind and rainfall, with challenging driving conditions,” said Maiken Vassel, duty meteorologist at the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. “It’s best to stay indoors for the next 24 hours, take precautions, and avoid mountain trips.”

Winds are expected to reach 27–30 meters per second in gusts, with coastal areas facing near-gale to full storm conditions. The worst impacts will hit southern areas first—including Lofoten and Vesterålen—before spreading northward to Troms by evening. Finnmark will experience strong winds overnight into Thursday.

Ferry routes and traffic are already disrupted. The Tjeldsund Bridge in Harstad and Sandnessund Bridge in Tromsø require manual traffic direction due to high winds, while fast ferry services between Tromsø, Finnsnes, and Harstad have been canceled. Multiple departures in Nordland are also scrapped.

A low-pressure system over the sea is driving the storm, bringing not only wind but heavy precipitation. Snowfall is expected at elevations above 200 meters, rising to 400 meters by Thursday. Tromsø will see a mix of snow, sleet, and rain, while Finnmark may receive light snow on Thursday.

A separate yellow snow warning covers parts of Troms, cautioning travelers about delays and possible mountain road closures. Lowland areas will see rain, while higher elevations could receive 30–40 centimeters of snow, though amounts will vary locally.

Conditions are forecast to improve by Friday, with falling temperatures and calmer weather returning to northern Norway.