Extreme weather warning as storm Dave approaches southern Norway

Emergency services in Rogaland have warned of potentially severe consequences as storm Dave is set to hit southern Norway on Sunday, with red-level alerts issued for the region, Dagbladet reports.

The storm warning was expanded Saturday morning to include Østfold and wider parts of southern Norway, while Rogaland remains under the highest red alert. Authorities have urged residents to prioritise personal safety as extreme wind gusts, power outages, and hazardous conditions are expected.

Emergency coordination underway Around 200 representatives from municipalities, emergency services, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the Civil Defence, Bane Nor, telecom providers, and power companies attended a preparedness meeting Saturday. Gry Evensen, deputy regional emergency director, outlined key risks: – “It is highly likely that power will fail in multiple areas. People must not attempt repairs themselves but report outages to their power provider.” – Mobile networks may also fail, and roads—particularly in mountainous areas already experiencing convoy driving—could close.

Evensen stressed that residents should secure loose objects, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for prolonged disruptions. “When weather is this severe, repairs take time. People must be patient and look after themselves.”

Coastal areas at high risk Authorities issued a specific warning for coastal regions, where large waves are expected. “If you are swept away by a wave, emergency services are unlikely to reach you in time,” Evensen said.

At the Red Cross station on Sinnes in Sirdal, Agder, around 40 personnel are on standby, though operations will be limited during the storm’s peak. “We follow Red Cross guidelines and will not take unnecessary risks. Our priority is the safety of our own team,” said station leader Eirik Sivertsen.

Sivertsen expressed concern that some may ignore warnings and venture into the mountains. “Cabin associations are advising people to leave early or postpone trips,” he noted, adding that outdoor activities in Sirdal have already been cancelled, including ski lifts.

Meteorologists forecast wind gusts up to 45 m/s in exposed coastal areas of Rogaland and Agder, with widespread severe winds across southern Norway.