Weather Chaos: How Much Snow Can You Handle?
Ah, the weather in Norway—who doesn’t love a good snowfall to spice up their life? As our state meteorologist, Ola Bakke Aashamar, so brilliantly put it, we’re expecting up to 40 centimeters of the fluffy white stuff in just the next 24 hours! Talk about a surprise party, and this time, we’re all invited. Can I get a “Yay!” for snow days?
But let’s get serious for a moment. Ola warns of a “big joker” by the coast—sounds like a game show waiting to happen. Is it sleet? Is it rain? In Troms, it seems the only thing wetter than the weather is the suspense! If it decides to snow, we may find ourselves hosting a Road Closure Olympics. Got popcorn?
Delays and Cancellations: The New National Sport
Speaking of hosting, let’s not forget about Tromsø Airport, where flights are dropping like flies. Finnair to Helsinki? Cancelled! Widerøe to Bergen? Also a no-show! It’s the kind of announcement that makes you feel grateful for your couch—at least it doesn’t have a flight schedule to ruin.
I mean, who could blame the Widerøe plane that came from Hammerfest? It made a U-turn and decided to take its talents south. Maybe it heard about those great beaches of tropical Tromsø? One can dream…
Orange Danger Warning: Not Just for Traffic Cones
Now we have an orange danger warning for Troms and parts of Western Finnmark. It’s not every day you get to hear “Prepare for travel delays” and not respond with, “Well, it’s just a normal Tuesday!” If you’re planning on hitting the roads, might I suggest adding an extra hour, or ten, to your travel time? Safety first, wheel-spinning second!
In the words of our meteorologist, “heavy snow drifts” are expected. That’s the meteorological equivalent of “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.” Like any good parent, Mother Nature is giving us a stern talking-to this weekend.
Accidents: Slippery Roads, Slippery People
And if that’s not enough to keep you on your toes (safely, of course), we have reports of several accidents due to those lovely slippery conditions. Three cars collided on the E136, and we have an overturned vehicle in Fredrikstad. So once again, the slippery road out there isn’t just an invitation; it’s basically sending you a calendar invite for doom!
Now, I simply cannot let this moment pass without emphasizing: If it’s ice or feels like a dance floor out there, **adjust your speed**, folks! You may be able to keep the road open, but if you’re intending to make a quick getaway, good luck! Don’t turn the highway into a scene from a Fast & Furious movie; this isn’t the time for those driving stunts!
Reduced Visibility: Ah, the Mystery of the Blizzards
To top it off, visibility is being reported as reduced—an excellent reminder that if you were looking for clarity this winter, you might need to book an appointment with a snowman. The E6 over Kvænangsfjellet is particularly notorious for “The Jib Skid”—a thrilling maneuver that does not safely translate to grids or settlements. This low-pressure system is turning into the most talked-about gossip in the area since that time someone forgot to shovel a driveway!
And Just Like That… Local Differences!
And let’s not forget the beauty of local weather differences! Our reporters in Karasjok have reported “calm weather” as the rest of us are buried under snow. Could it be that the meteorologists are just playing favorites? Or perhaps the inhabitants of Karasjok have gained some snow-magic powers. Either way, wherever you are, stay safe, keep your spirits high, and remember that this too shall melt… eventually.
So there you have it! Your cheeky yet informative recap of the current weather chaos in Norway. Don’t forget to adjust your speed, embrace the snow globe aesthetic, and maybe build a snowman or two. After all, if you can’t beat the weather, at least you can enjoy it.
– Up to 40 centimeters of snow is anticipated in the next 24 hours across Troms and parts of Western Finnmark.
This critical information was provided by state meteorologist Ola Bakke Aashamar during an interview with NRK on Saturday morning. Precipitation is expected to vary, occasionally falling as rain along the coast, complicating conditions further.
– The major uncertainty lies in whether the precipitation along the coastal regions will manifest as sleet or rain. Should it fall as snow, we could face significant disruptions, including potential road closures, warns Aashamar.
Currently, the E6 highway is closed between Fossbakken and Skogstad in Troms due to numerous stranded vehicles and ongoing car recovery efforts, as reported by the State Road Administration.
Delays and cancellations
On Saturday, a wave of delays and cancellations hit Tromsø Airport, impacting travelers as several flights are forecasted to run late into Saturday afternoon, according to Avinor’s latest updates.
Finnair’s flight to Helsinki, scheduled for departure at 11:30 AM, was unfortunately cancelled. Additionally, Widerøe’s flight to Bergen, slated for two hours later, also faced cancellation.
A Widerøe plane arriving from Hammerfest, which was set to land in Tromsø, had to divert and head back south, highlighting the challenging weather conditions affecting air travel.
Lufthansa’s flight to Munich, initially scheduled for 1:35 PM, only managed to leave the airport at 4:29 PM, due to the adverse weather. Earlier on Saturday, a Widerøe flight from Tromsø to Lakselv had to turn back to Tromsø because of a technical issue.
Orange danger warning
Meteorologists have issued an orange weather warning for Troms and parts of Western Finnmark, advising residents and travelers alike to prepare for extended travel times along multiple roadways throughout these regions until Sunday morning at 10 o’clock.
Significant snowfall is expected in various locations in Troms and Finnmark until Sunday morning, coupled with forecasts of strong winds sweeping in from the north and northwest. These factors combined can lead to the formation of hazardous snow drifts, further complicating travel.
– North-west winds are predicted to be stiff and periodically strong along the coast and exposed areas. Snow and hail showers, alongside occasional sleet, are expected in outer regions, with the potential for heavy snowfall and even thunderstorms, according to the weather forecast for Troms.
In Vest-Finnmark, harsh weather conditions are anticipated throughout Saturday, with forecasts predicting further increases in wind speed becoming westerly and strong this afternoon, before shifting north-west. Expect sleet and snow showers, with some areas, particularly those bordering Troms, facing exceptionally heavy snowfall.
In Eastern Finnmark, strong winds are anticipated in exposed areas, accompanied by local snow squalls.
Several accidents due to the weather
Several accidents have been reported across the country, attributed to dangerously slippery road conditions encountered on Saturday.
On the E136 in Lesja, Gudbrandsdalen, three vehicles were involved in an incident on Saturday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported; however, local police have indicated that the road conditions are exceedingly slippery.
Reports of hazardous roads have also emerged from Fredrikstad, where a passenger vehicle overturned on Husebyveien, resulting in the driver being transported to the hospital with moderate injuries.
In Stord, authorities reported a serious head-on collision between two vehicles on Rommetveitvegen, located near Rommetveit student residence. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but the road remains perilously slippery.
Asking people to adjust their speed
As of Saturday morning, the Swedish Road Traffic Center confirmed that no roads were closed, although the situation remains precarious. Siril Veiåker Nilsen from the road service has mentioned that they are preparing for ongoing danger warnings throughout the weekend.
– We may succeed in keeping the roads open, but the current conditions present significant challenges for motorists, which can lead to accidents, she explains.
Veiåker Nilsen emphasizes the necessity for travelers to adjust their speeds according to the current conditions, stating, – It is crucial for everyone to recognize these challenging driving conditions to ensure safety during their travels.
AT Romssa Arena in Tromsø, crews are working diligently to clear the grass of snow ahead of the TIL showdown against Strømsgodset scheduled for 5 p.m.
Reduced visibility
On the E6 over Kvænangsfjellet in Nord-Troms, authorities report reduced visibility along with risks of skidding occurring.
– These conditions have persisted since Friday evening, caused by a low-pressure system that has drifted up from Finland into Finnmark. Since that time, between 10 and 25 centimeters of snow has accumulated in the lowlands of Troms, as expressed by state meteorologist Aashamar.
– Overall, driving conditions are expected to be quite challenging across the roads, both inland and along the coast, due to the prevailing winter weather.
On Reinøya in Karlsøy, the municipalities in Troms have alerted the Road Traffic Center about a rutted roadway posing slush risks. This road is already infamous for being one of the most treacherous county roads in the country.
There are reports of hazardous road conditions in extensive parts of Troms and Finnmark, particularly on the E6 between Varangerbotn and Kirkenes. Earlier on Saturday, this route was closed following a lorry that veered off the road east of Reahpen.
As of Saturday afternoon, the National Road Administration has warned of heavy snow and difficult driving conditions along the E6 between Setermoen and Gratangsfjellet in Troms.
Local differences
NRK’s reporter in Karasjok has noted remarkably calm weather conditions in the region, a sentiment confirmed by state meteorologist Aashamar.
– There are notable local differences; the Vidda region is situated on the favorable side of the low-pressure center, he observes.
Published 23.11.2024, at 10.26 Updated 23.11.2024, at 18.02
– How can travelers protect themselves while navigating snowy conditions in town?
Ear snow and ensure safe access to the facilities. The ongoing snowfall has made it increasingly difficult for both travelers and those just trying to get around town.
A Reminder to Stay Safe
As we navigate this winter weather situation, let’s remember to prioritize safety. Avoid unnecessary trips, keep your vehicle equipped for adverse conditions, and don’t hesitate to postpone plans if it means staying safe. If you’re heading out, let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
And here’s a little wisdom for the weekend: if you find yourself stuck in the snow, just remember—stranded is just a synonym for ‘extended winter holiday.’ So grab that popcorn and enjoy the view!
Keep warm, stay safe, and let’s hope for clearer skies ahead!
Stay updated with local resources and weather updates to ensure you’re prepared for whatever this wild winter has in store.
