An abrupt change in the weather was setting off new storm and avalanche warnings all over Norway on Monday. They come after much warmer weather was setting in this week, along with lots of rain.
That follows several days of sub-freezing temperatures and lots of snow last week. Now all the ice warnings issued for slippery roads and sidewalks are materializing, as the snow melts away, icicles fall down from rooftops and then colder temperatures set in at night.
The warmer days, colder nights and ground that’s remained cold were all leading to more difficult driving conditions and not least avalanches from Rogaland in the south to Nordland and Troms in the north, as snow and ice loosen from mountainsides. Several roads and mountain passes were already closed on Monday and bus routes suspended in Nordland as were train lines in Trøndelag. The main E6 highway over Saltfjellet in Norland was also closed on Monday.
Strong winds were causing additional trouble, not least for ferry and shipping lines, with even the sturdy coastal line Hurtigruten having to cancel some stops, around both Ålesund and Harstad. Parts of Senja in Troms were isolated and flood warnings were up in both Rogaland and Nordland.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
