Storm Dave hits Norway with cancellations, closures and travel chaos

Extreme weather system Dave has struck Norway, forcing flight cancellations, ferry suspensions and road closures as authorities issue red alerts for parts of the country, Dagbladet reports.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute has declared a red weather warning—the highest alert level—for areas of Rogaland and Agder, urging residents to stay indoors. “It is dangerous to be outside, and we expect unusual damage to buildings, infrastructure, forests and power grids,” the warning on Varsom.no states. The alert remains in effect until 5 PM Sunday. Orange warnings cover Telemark, Sunnhordland and Østfold.

Flight operations have been severely disrupted, with multiple cancellations at Stavanger, Kristiansand and Haugesund airports. Norwegian Air spokesperson Satha Sritharan confirmed the disruptions are due to Dave, adding that further delays or cancellations may occur if wind gusts intensify. “We’re working to rebook affected passengers on later flights,” Sritharan said.

Ferry services and mountain crossings are also suspended, while a bus overturned on the E6 highway near Gjøvik, blocking traffic in both directions. Police reported minor injuries among the 16 passengers, with two taken to hospital. Witness Kine Smerud told Dagbladet she was filming Easter traffic when the bus suddenly veered and tipped in a roundabout.

In Arendal, high winds sent a trampoline airborne before residents secured it behind a garage. Meanwhile, Lindesnes Lighthouse—operational for over 200 years—closed to the public for the first time in recent memory. “The lighthouse can handle it, but we’re worried about people getting too close to the cliffs,” keeper Roy Ulland told the paper.