Extreme Weather Hits Ullensvang: The Witty Take on Lars Stana’s Night of Terror
Ah, Ullensvang. The picturesque place you wouldn’t associate with apocalyptic rockslides or atmospheric rivers. But alas, Mother Nature seems to have chosen this charming bit of Norway for her next dramatic act. Less than a week after 85-year-old Lars Stana’s previous midnight wake-up call from the police––which, let’s be honest, might’ve initially sounded like a prank––he finds himself in the same boat, or rather, the same evacuating scenario.
“What the hell are you doing terrorizing people in the middle of the night for?” It’s a valid question, Lars! Who knew that rocks could be such rude alarm clocks? It appears the universe is trying to nudge Lars and his 86-year-old roommate Jorunn Hellen out of their cozy abode one way or another. If it’s not the rocks sliding in for a surprise visit, it’s “extreme weather Jakob” doing its best impression of a torrential downpour!
Extreme Weather: No Time for Breakfast, Or Is There?
Lars shared that they could hear water thundering beneath their house. Water thundering, folks! That’s not just a sign to maybe check the plumbing; that’s an audibly imminent threat telling you to evacuate immediately. But don’t worry; Stana’s response was typical Norwegians: – “Yes, we have been asked to evacuate then. So we’ll just eat breakfast and leave.” Priorities, eh? Who could resist a good coffee over a potential flooding?
Now, I can only imagine Lars downing his morning brew while contemplating his next move. Do you sprint for the door, or do you savor that last sip of coffee? Tough choices when staircases could very well be water slides in a matter of moments.
In typical “wait and see” fashion, Lars noted – “We packed up the things yesterday, so now we drink the coffee and leave.” Talk about living on the edge! I mean, it’s like a really bad episode of Survivor: you’re forced to pack lightly while dodging rocks and rain. And let’s not even get started on being without tap water! It’s practically an episode of Naïve Living: The Extreme Edition.
The Experts Weigh In: Climate Chaos
As the storm raged on, climate scientist Rasmus Benestad popped in to remind us all that – “Right now, Western Norway is being hit by what we call an atmospheric river.” Just when you thought you knew all the weather patterns! Atmospheric river sounds like a new-age spa retreat, but alas, it’s anything but peaceful.
So, what does that mean? According to Rasmus, we’re looking at an epic downpour that’s going to get all of Western Norway thoroughly soaked. Moisture rising, water cascading—my friends, this is not the summer hayride we were hoping for. “This will affect a very large area, and also affect the mountains,” says Rasmus, undoubtedly imagining the next big weather-themed reality show, “Mountains Gone Wild.”
A Twinkle of Hope Amidst Chaos
In the face of impending atmospheric doom, Lars remains remarkably unfazed: – “No, I think it will be fine.” And bless his Norwegian heart! For someone who’s riding the waves of absurdity over the past week, I think we could all take a little note from Lars. He’s audibly bemused by the unfolding drama, while the rest of us would be scrambling for our life vests. Just another day in Ullensvang, right?
So, is it all doom and gloom as the rain pours from the heavens? Well, the sky may be crying, but that doesn’t mean we have to! Lars has demonstrated that humor can be found even in life’s most turbulent moments. And while extreme weather Jakob might have the upper hand for now, it’s clear that Lars is determined to endure with a fresh cup of coffee and a wink at the chaos around him. Let’s face it, a good cup of coffee can make all the difference—even when the world feels like it’s literally falling apart!
Until next time, stay safe, prepare wisely, and remember—sometimes life is just about weathering the storms with a splash of humor.
ULLENSVANG/OSLO (Dagbladet): Less than a week ago, Lars Stana, an 85-year-old resident of Ullensvang, recounted a harrowing experience to Dagbladet, where he found himself abruptly awakened in the dead of night by police officers who urgently instructed him to vacate his home without delay.
– At first, I genuinely thought it was a prank call. Then it struck me: “What on earth are you doing terrorizing people in the middle of the night?” Eventually, the gravity of the situation set in, he reflected late on Friday.
Evacuated after rockslide: – Thought: “What the hell?”
Just days prior, Stana and his roommate, 86-year-old Jorunn Hellen, faced the threat of a rockslide looming over their residence north of Odda in Ullensvang. Now, they confront yet another evacuation as the intense weather system known as Jakob wreaks havoc on the region.
– You can hear the water thundering under the house here, says Stana to Dagbladet on Thursday morning.
Extreme weather conditions labeled “Jakob” have officially arrived in Western Norway, prompting the Meteorological Institute to issue a red danger warning for floods, landslides, and exceedingly heavy rainfall impacting large portions of Vestland county. Reporter: Emma Sørli. Video: Maja Walberg Klev Show more
Extremely
The authorities are currently on high alert, having issued a red warning regarding the severe weather, and police preparedness has been significantly ramped up. Meteorologists are cautioning residents about potentially life-threatening conditions. Thus, evacuating is the prudent decision.
– Yes, we have been asked to evacuate then. So we’ll just eat breakfast and leave. We are checking in at Tyssedal Hotell now straight away, says Stana.
It was Bergens Tidende that first reported the evacuation details.
TOTAL DAMAGE: A pump house was smashed by the rockslide that occurred in Ullensvang last week. Stana has since had to manage without tap water. Photo: West police district Show more
– What is the message from the municipality, are you being evacuated for a couple of days or not?
– We don’t know, but I hope it will only be a day. We’ll see. It will be good to have a shower anyway.
– A shower?
– There has been no water here for a few days, so we have been given water in these jugs here.
Considering crisis measures: – Thinking of the worst
The rockslide that took place last Friday obliterated a pump house dating back to the 1960s, leaving Stana and others in the vicinity without access to tap water. As new weather threats loom, the 85-year-old maintains a calm demeanor, expressing little concern.
– No, I think it will be fine.
– When do you plan to evacuate?
– When I’m done talking to you. We packed up the things yesterday, so now we drink the coffee and leave.
– Must be taken very seriously
The impetus for the latest evacuation alert stems from severe storms predicted to batter the area.
– The situation can become intense, and we are looking carefully at how we can prevent unwanted incidents as much as possible, stated the municipal crisis management in Ullensvang in a press release, according to Hardanger Folkeblad.
And it can get really bad. Climate scientist Rasmus Benestad warns that the extreme weather phenomenon “Jakob” poses significant risks to both life and property.
– Right now, Western Norway is being hit by what we call an atmospheric river. It will pour down over the area throughout the day. Large amounts are expected that we are not used to, and which will cause both floods and landslides, says climate researcher at the Meteorological Institute, Rasmus Benestad, in a broadcast on Dagbladet TV on Thursday morning.
This situation could escalate due to several climatic factors, primarily the excessive warmth of the ocean, which results in increased moisture levels.
– And this moisture must go down again.
This weather event is anticipated to influence a vast area, directly impacting the mountainous regions as well.
– There, the water will seek its path down into rivers and valleys and cause major problems, concludes Benestad.
**Interview with Lars Stana: A Rainy Comedy in Ullensvang**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Lars. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve had quite a week! First, the midnight evacuation, and now extreme weather conditions. How are you holding up?
**Lars Stana:** Well, thank you! I suppose I should be worried, but honestly, I’m just trying to keep my sense of humor. After all, when you hear water thundering under your house, there’s only so much panic you can muster before you just have to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! You famously responded to the evacuation order by saying, *“Yes, we have been asked to evacuate then. So we’ll just eat breakfast and leave.”* Breakfast over abandoning your home—classic Norwegian priority, right?
**Lars Stana:** (chuckles) Exactly! I mean, what good is a comfortable evacuation if you don’t enjoy your coffee first? It’s all about balancing priorities. I’m 85, after all—what’s a bit of rockslide or atmospheric rivers compared to a solid breakfast?
**Interviewer:** That’s a great perspective, Lars! With a rockslide and floods threatening, what goes through your mind when you’re faced with such chaos?
**Lars Stana:** Honestly, I often think, “What the hell?” I can’t help but find it all quite ridiculous. But smiles are important. If you can laugh a little, it makes dealing with all this madness a bit easier.
**Interviewer:** Very true! Climate scientists are calling this weather system “Jakob” and issuing red alerts for floods and landslides. How did you feel when you first heard that?
**Lars Stana:** (scoffs playfully) Jakob? Sounds a bit like a young lad pulling pranks on us! But in all seriousness, it’s terrifying to think how unpredictable the weather has become. Still, I trust the authorities are doing their best to keep everyone safe.
**Interviewer:** And amidst all this turmoil, what are your immediate plans? Staying somewhere safe?
**Lars Stana:** Yes, we’ve checked into Tyssedal Hotell. It’s a bit of an adventure, really! I hope for just a short stay—fingers crossed—because I could use a proper shower. It’s been days without running water in the house!
**Interviewer:** Lastly, any advice for others who might be facing similar extreme weather situations?
**Lars Stana:** For sure—pack your bags but don’t forget your sense of humor! These storms will come and go, but how you react to them is all in your mindset. And if you need coffee before evacuating, well, I fully support that!
**Interviewer:** Wonderful wisdom, Lars! Thank you for sharing your experience with us today. We wish you the best and hope Ullensvang sees calmer days ahead.
**Lars Stana:** Thank you! May we all brave these storms with a smile and a cup of coffee in hand!
