Siglufjörður seeks town wind gauge after storm damage

A severe storm caused extensive damage in Siglufjörður, and local authorities want a wind gauge installed in town to better monitor dangerous gusts, mbl.is reports.

It is not yet possible to estimate the full cost of the damage, said Jóhann K. Jóhannsson, fire chief for Fjallabyggð. Roofs were torn from two homes and an industrial building. Other buildings and objects were also damaged when the roofs came down and broke apart.

A brief break in the weather on Wednesday afternoon and evening allowed people to collect debris, but the work is not finished. Crews will spend the coming days assessing damage and clearing up.

Jóhann said the storm was stronger than forecast. East-northeast winds can be particularly dangerous in Siglufjörður, he said, as powerful gusts funnel into the fjord.

Local authorities have discussed installing a wind gauge in town with the road authority. The Icelandic Met Office has a gauge by the airport at the head of the fjord, but Jóhann said it does not record the same wind speeds and gusts that reach the town in this wind direction. A gauge in town could help authorities prepare for storms and give residents better information about approaching conditions.

Jóhann also pointed to a serious incident about three years ago, when a house was badly damaged by a gust of wind.