Storm brings severe winds and blizzards across Iceland

Strong winds are building across southwest Iceland and the south, with gusts already exceeding 35 to 40 metres per second in some places. The Icelandic Met Office expects the storm to bring severe winds and blizzards later today, according to a report by mbl.is.

Average wind speeds in many areas of the southwest and south have reached 18 to 20 metres per second. Gusts have topped 35 to 40 metres per second in places, including beneath Mýrdalsjökull glacier, at Stórhöfði in the Vestmannaeyjar islands and on parts of the Reykjanes peninsula.

Meteorologist Hera Guðlaugsdóttir said average wind speeds in the south could reach 20 to 28 metres per second at their strongest, with gusts exceeding 40 metres per second. In the northwest, average speeds of 18 to 25 metres per second are expected this afternoon, with stronger gusts.

Orange weather warnings are in effect for South Iceland, Breiðafjörður, the Westfjords, Strandir and the northwestern region. Yellow warnings have been issued for other parts of the country.

The centre of the low-pressure system is expected to move over Iceland this afternoon. Winds and precipitation should then ease in the south and east, while a northerly blizzard develops in the northwest. Snow and blizzard conditions are forecast in the Westfjords and northwest later today and this evening, spreading to the northeast and east overnight.

The weather front is expected to pass late tonight and tomorrow morning. Conditions should improve in the northwest, but snow may continue in the northeast during the day. Hera said snowfall there could affect road conditions, depending on how quickly roads can be cleared, and that weather may disrupt travel at least tomorrow morning.

A weaker low-pressure system is expected tomorrow, bringing some strong winds but nothing comparable to the current storm. Hera urged people to follow forecasts, secure loose items and avoid unnecessary travel today, noting that blizzards in the north could affect transport.