Snowfall disrupts spring in Bergen as city deploys gritting trucks

Bergen municipality activated emergency snow response teams overnight after the Norwegian Meteorological Institute issued a yellow weather warning for the region, Dagbladet reports. Officials now hope winter equipment can be stored away until next season.

Tord Honne Holgernes, acting director of Bergen’s Urban Environment Agency, confirmed two gritting trucks were deployed to prevent icy roads. “We had to scramble to mobilise staff and ensure we had enough equipment and ploughing capacity if needed,” he said. The city treated roads to avoid hazardous conditions, though Holgernes expressed relief that the operation may mark the last snow response of the season.

“Now we’d rather prepare for a nice 17th of May celebration than more gritting and snow clearance,” he added, referring to Norway’s Constitution Day.

Meteorologist Johanne Ordahl noted 2–10 cm of snow fell across parts of Western Norway overnight, with the heaviest accumulations in Sogn og Fjordane and north of Voss. While Bergen experienced sleet showers, no snow settled. “May snowfall isn’t normal, but it’s not entirely unusual either—it happens sporadically,” Ordahl explained, citing past instances of snow on 17th of May.

Traffic operator Malin Blom of the Western Norway Traffic Control Centre warned of lingering slippery patches, particularly near bridges and waterways, as temperatures fluctuate. “It’s easy to be fooled by sunshine, but locally there’s still sleet and snow on the ground,” she said, urging drivers with summer tyres to adjust their speed or avoid unnecessary trips.