We thought we would escape a weather warning this week as the wind forecast was quite decent, but no such luck. Now it's extreme precipitation that we have to worry about as The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has issued a warning due to heavy rainfall and increased river levels.
According to IMO this event is highly unusual and the conditions are extremely hazardous. Tonight, tomorrow and Thursday heavy rainfall, exceeding 100 mm/24 hrs (4 inches), is forecast in the south- and western parts of Iceland, from Vatnajökull glacier to Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the Westfjords.
Along with the precipitation, extreme runoff from glaciers is expected warns IMO. Increased water levels in rivers and streams is expected, and due to previous rainfall, the ground is already saturated and river levels high. Risk of flooding is therefore high, especially to the south and west of Langjökull glacier.
Travellers are advised against attempting to cross non-bridged rivers and streams in these hazardous conditions. There is also an elevated risk of landslides in the affected regions.
In urban areas, surface runoff could be a problem. Therefore it is advised, that drains and grids be cleared to handle the rainfall.
Heavy precipitation events for so long periods as this are highly unusual in Iceland, and these conditions are extremely hazardous.
We thought we would escape a weather warning this week as the wind forecast was quite decent, but no such luck. Now it's extreme precipitation that we have to worry about as The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) has issued a warning due to heavy rainfall and increased river levels.
According to IMO this event is highly unusual and the conditions are extremely hazardous. Tonight, tomorrow and Thursday heavy rainfall, exceeding 100 mm/24 hrs (4 inches), is forecast in the south- and western parts of Iceland, from Vatnajökull glacier to Ísafjarðardjúp fjord in the Westfjords.
Along with the precipitation, extreme runoff from glaciers is expected warns IMO. Increased water levels in rivers and streams is expected, and due to previous rainfall, the ground is already saturated and river levels high. Risk of flooding is therefore high, especially to the south and west of Langjökull glacier.
Travellers are advised against attempting to cross non-bridged rivers and streams in these hazardous conditions. There is also an elevated risk of landslides in the affected regions.
In urban areas, surface runoff could be a problem. Therefore it is advised, that drains and grids be cleared to handle the rainfall.
Heavy precipitation events for so long periods as this are highly unusual in Iceland, and these conditions are extremely hazardous.
