Meteorologist warns of damaging storm crossing Iceland Wednesday

A deep, tightly wound low-pressure system is expected to cross Iceland on Wednesday, bringing severe weather and a risk of damage, meteorologist Þorsteinn V. Jónsson of the Icelandic Meteorological Office told mbl.is.

The storm is expected to last through the day, with conditions easing by midday Thursday. Yellow weather warnings are in effect ahead of orange warnings due to begin late Wednesday afternoon in the Westfjords, Strandir and Northwest Iceland. The forecast may prompt additional warnings, including for severe weather in Northeast Iceland overnight into Thursday.

Blizzard conditions are expected in the northwest overnight and on Thursday morning. Heavy rain in Southeast Iceland and the Eastfjords could trigger rockfalls and landslides, while high winds and high sea levels pose a risk of rough seas along the southern and eastern coasts. Thunderstorms are also possible in several parts of the country.

The capital region is expected to largely avoid the worst of the storm, though winds will increase Wednesday morning and warnings may be issued. Þorsteinn warned that trampolines and other unsecured objects could be blown around, and said there could be risks to the power system if lightning strikes power lines. No warnings have been issued for that risk.

He urged people to postpone travel on Wednesday if possible, particularly because blizzard conditions could make roads difficult in the northwest from around midday. Domestic flights are unlikely to operate, he said, while international flights from Keflavík Airport are expected to go ahead. He advised people to check forecasts from the Meteorological Office and road warnings from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.