Severe weather warnings issued for Easter travel in southern Norway

Norwegian meteorologists are warning of hazardous driving conditions in southern Norway this Easter weekend, with heavy snowdrift and potential road closures expected, Dagbladet reports.

Yellow weather alerts for snowdrift have been issued for mountainous areas in southern Norway from late Friday evening through Saturday, according to the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Strong winds combined with snowfall are expected to create poor visibility, leading to possible controlled convoy driving (kolonnekjøring) or full road closures on mountain passes.

“There will be gale-force winds from the southeast and snowfall causing snowdrift and reduced visibility—and that could result in both closed roads and controlled convoys,” said Pernille Borander, duty meteorologist at the institute. She added that cold air masses could bring snow to lower elevations by Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, a powerful low-pressure system is forecast to hit southern and southwestern Norway on Sunday, bringing strong winds—particularly in the Skagerrak region. While timing remains uncertain, Borander advised travelers to avoid Sunday if possible, as conditions will be calmer on Saturday and Monday.

“Sunday will likely be worst along the coast, but we can’t rule out wind and snow in the southernmost mountain areas either,” she said. “Conditions are definitely more stable on Saturday and Monday than on Sunday.”

Drivers are urged to check road status updates and plan travel according to weather conditions. Real-time alerts are available via the Meteorological Institute’s Yr.no service.