State meteorologists were posting flood warnings for large stretches of the Norwegian coast this week, because of high tides described as “extreme.” Sea levels may rise by as much as a meter or more in waterfront areas all over southwestern Norway.
Bergen’s historic Brygge area was targeted, as were coastal areas for most of western Norway south of Stad, the country’s westernmost point. Unusually high tides were expected to raise water levels by 65- to 80 centimeters shortly after midnight Tuesday and in the early afternoon of Wednesday.
In Rogaland, south of Bergen, water levels could rise to 174 centimeters above the zero-mark on sea charts. Damage potential was high, if sea water washes over piers and into buildings.
The Oslo Fjord was also due for very high tides, raising sea levels by more than a meter close to the capital. The strongest warnings were directed at Agder, Vestfold and Telemark, Viken and Oslo itself, where boat owners were advised to secure vessels and waterfront property owners to prepare for flooding.
The high sea levels were blamed on a combination of high tides after the full moon plus low pressure systems moving in from the southwest that can bring more rain and wind.
newsinenglish.no staff
