Police warn of 40 m/s gusts as deep low approaches

Police in Vestmannaeyjar are warning residents that wind gusts could exceed 40 metres per second tonight and tomorrow morning, mbl.is reported Tuesday. A yellow weather warning is in force for much of Iceland overnight and tomorrow, with an orange warning due to take effect tomorrow evening in the Westfjords and northwestern Iceland.

Police urged people to secure loose outdoor items, including trampolines and garden furniture, and make sure they cannot become dangerous in the strong winds.

They also called for particular caution tomorrow morning as schools reopen, when the strongest gusts are forecast. Parents and guardians were asked to monitor conditions and take care on the way to school and work, especially around children and other pedestrians.

A rapidly deepening low-pressure system is moving towards Iceland. Atmospheric pressure could fall to 936 hectopascals, which would be the lowest pressure recorded in Iceland in October.

The weather is expected to reach eastern and southern Iceland first tonight, then move across the southwest and Snæfellsnes before hitting the Westfjords and northern Iceland. Heavy rain in the southeast and east could bring a risk of rockfalls and landslides. Some lightning is also possible in many parts of the country.