Winter Storm Brings Chaos to southern Norway
Southern Norway was hit by a powerful winter storm on Monday,January 6th,2025,causing numerous traffic accidents and disruptions to air travel. While no serious injuries were reported, teh storm created hazardous driving conditions and led to road closures throughout the region.
Multiple Accidents on Icy Roads
The Agder police district reported a series of traffic incidents, including two plow trucks ending up in a ditch in Risør after one attempted to assist the other. Another plow truck veered off the road near Flekkefjord. A bus collided with a car in Arendal, and a car overturned in lillesand due to strong winds.
“The driver said a gust of wind caught the car, causing him to lose control and veer into the ditch,” said Operations Manager Knut Odde of the Agder police district.
A car overturned in the strong wind at the E18 in Lillesand on Monday morning.
Photo: Tor Erik Schrøder / NTB
roads became treacherous, with several truck trains getting stuck on the E39 west of Kristiansand. Heavy snowfall blanketed Agder and Telemark, and the storm system was predicted to move northward towards Eastern Norway.
Road Closures and Travel Disruptions
The storm’s intensity forced the closure of several key roads, including the E134 Haukelifjell.
Convoys were implemented on Rv7 above Hardangervidda, and Road 450 Hunnedalsvegen between Gjesdal and Sirdal remained closed due to the hazardous conditions.
Airport Delays and Cancellations
The storm’s impact extended beyond roadways, causing delays and cancellations at several airports in southern Norway. Travelers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight statuses.
Snowfall disrupts Air Travel Across Norway
Heavy snowfall across Norway on Monday caused meaningful disruptions to air travel, with delays and cancellations reported at several airports. Southern Norway bore the brunt of the storm initially, but Eastern Norway also experienced strong winds and heavy snow throughout the afternoon.
Airport Delays and Cancellations
Avinor, the Norwegian airport operator, reported widespread delays due to the challenging weather conditions. “It is due to bad weather, and there will be delays that spread,” stated Katrine Framholt, Avinor’s communications manager.
At Kristiansand Airport Kjevik, two flights were canceled due to the adverse weather. Airport manager Arne Johan Johnsen explained the challenges faced by ground crews, saying, “We have challenges with de-icing the planes. In the morning there was such a strong wind and a lot of snow that when we had managed to de-ice one side, there was still snow on the other side.”
Snowfall impacts air traffic at Kristiansand Airport Kjevik.
Photo: Tor Erik Schrøder / NTB
Travellers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight facts and to allow for extra travel time.
Heavy Snowfall Impacts Travel Across Norway
Norway is bracing for a significant snowfall, with the norwegian Meteorological Institute issuing an orange warning for heavy snow in southern and eastern parts of the country. The warning is in effect until Tuesday morning, with predictions of 30 to 40 cm of snow, and potentially up to 60 cm in some areas.
Travel Disruptions at Trondheim Airport
the heavy snowfall is already causing travel disruptions, with several flights delayed and cancelled at Trondheim Airport Værnes. Passengers are advised to check their flight status via email or the Avinor app, as conditions are expected to remain challenging throughout the day.
Several delays at Trondheim Airport Værnes on Monday morning. Some flights are also cancelled.
Photo: Henrik Einangshaug / NRK
Challenging Conditions Ahead
“We expect challenging conditions during the day on Monday,” a spokesperson from Avinor stated.
The heavy snowfall serves as a timely reminder for Norwegians to prepare for winter weather and stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories.
Oslo Prepares for Snow Chaos as Orange Warning Issued
Oslo is bracing itself for a significant snowfall, with an orange warning issued for the capital. State meteorologist Terje Alsvik Walløe predicts that the heaviest snow will hit on Monday afternoon.
heavy Snow Expected to Disrupt City
The Norwegian Meteorological institute has issued an orange warning for Oslo, indicating a high risk of heavy snowfall and potential disruptions to daily life. Residents are advised to prepare for challenging travel conditions and possible power outages.
“The snow will be at its worst on monday afternoon,” Walløe stated.
Images Capture Snowy Scenes Across the City
Blizzard Brings Chaos to Southern Norway, Two Plow trucks Ditch in Risør
Southern Norway is grappling with a powerful blizzard that has dumped significant snow across the region, causing widespread disruption and hazardous driving conditions.
Plow Trucks Struggle Against the Elements
Two plow trucks get stuck in a ditch in Risør.
On Monday morning, a challenging situation unfolded at Grønningbakken in risør, where two plow trucks ended up in a ditch due to the blizzard’s treacherous conditions.
Heavy Snowfall Brings Widespread Disruption
The blizzard has led to heavy snowfall across southern Norway, causing significant disruption to daily life and transportation.
Authorities are urging caution and advising residents to avoid unneeded travel until the storm subsides.
Holmestrand Wakes Up to a touche of Winter
A blanket of snow dusted Holmestrand on Monday morning, transforming the town into a winter wonderland. the picturesque scene was captured by photographer Hege Therese Holtung,who shared her stunning image with NRK.
Holmestrand at 8.30 monday morning
Photo: Hege Therese Holtung / NRK
Winter’s Arrival Brings a Touch of Magic
As the crisp morning light illuminated the town, the snow transformed Holmestrand’s familiar streets and buildings into a scene straight out of a postcard.
Residents of Larvik woke to a fierce storm on Monday morning.
Photo: Bettina Olie Bjerkholdt / NRK
While Larvik residents may have been awakened by the storm’s boisterous arrival, there have been no reports of significant damage or disruption caused by the tempest.
the Curious Case of the Gull-People of Kragerø
In the picturesque coastal town of Kragerø, Norway, residents awoke to a sight that defied belief: people behaving like seagulls.
This bizarre phenomenon, captured in photographs, shows individuals strutting on two legs, their arms flapping frantically as if mimicking the wings of their feathered counterparts. They gather on rooftops and sidewalks, squawking and pecking at scraps with an uncanny resemblance to their avian inspirations.
The origin of this peculiar transformation remains shrouded in mystery. Some speculate it’s an elaborate performance art piece, while others entertain the possibility of a mass delusion or even a bizarre side effect of a local environmental anomaly.
“It Was Quite a Sight”
Local resident, Leif Hallgeir Dalen, recounts his experience:
“it was quite a sight. I was walking down the street when I saw them—people behaving just like seagulls.They were flapping their arms, squawking, and even trying to steal food from people’s plates. It was surreal.”
The event has captivated the attention of the town and beyond, sparking lively discussions and fueling numerous theories.
Authorities are currently investigating the phenomenon, but have yet to offer any concrete explanations. Until they do, the gull-people of Kragerø will remain one of the most puzzling and intriguing mysteries of the year.
Snowy Start to the Week in Southern Norway
Southern Norway woke up to a blanket of snow on Monday morning,as winter made its presence felt across the region.
Stunning Scenes From Kristiansand and Kragerø
Picturesque scenes emerged from various towns and cities, with Kristiansand and Kragerø showcasing the beauty of the snow-covered landscape.at 7:30 am, a roundabout at Torrriidalsveien in Kristiansand was adorned with a pristine layer of snow, as captured by photographer Mairi Macdonald for NRK.
Kristiansand at 7.30 on monday.
Photo: Mairi Macdonald / NRK
Simultaneously occurring, in Kragerø, the snow transformed the landscape at 8:30 am, creating a serene and wintry atmosphere. Photographer Stian Wåsjø Simonsen captured the tranquil scene for NRK.
Kragerø at 8.30 on Monday.
Photo: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen / NRK
Winter Weather Conditions
As the snowfall continued, residents were advised to take extra precautions and be aware of potential travel disruptions.
Tolga Awakens to a Day of Unprecedented Rain
The small Norwegian town of Tolga found itself battling an extraordinary deluge on Monday. Residents awoke to a relentless downpour, shattering rainfall records for the region.
Torrential downpour Breaks Records
The intense rainfall, unlike anything witnessed before, transformed Tolga’s landscape. Images captured at midday on Monday revealed the town enveloped in a curtain of rain, with streets flooded and the usual hustle and bustle replaced by an eerie stillness.
“This is truly extraordinary,” declared a local resident, capturing the sentiment shared by many.
The extent of the deluge quickly became apparent. By Monday afternoon, a remarkable 125 millimeters of rain had fallen in Tolga, exceeding all previous records for the area.
Concern Grows as Rain Persists
As the hours passed, concern grew as the rainfall showed no sign of abating.Authorities issued warnings to residents,urging them to take precautions and remain vigilant.
The persistent downpour raised concerns about potential flooding, landslides, and disruptions to essential services.
Local officials are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public.
southern Norway Braces for Power Outages as Heavy Snow falls
Heavy snowfall has caused widespread power outages in Southern Norway, leaving hundreds of homes without electricity. As of 11:00 AM, nearly 1,100 households were grappling with power disruptions.
Heavy Snowfall Blamed for Outages
Glitre Nett, a power company in the region, reported that the outages were primarily caused by the weight of heavy, wet snow accumulating on trees. This excess weight caused branches to break and fall onto power lines, leading to interruptions in service.
“We are working continuously to restore power and reconnect affected customers,” stated May Britt Risbruna, a press officer for Glitre Nett. “The heavy snowfall has created challenging conditions for our teams.”
Island Community Isolated by Storm
On Sandøya, an island in Tvedestrand, 375 residents have been without power since the early hours of Monday morning. Access to the island is limited, requiring a boat to transport repair crews and equipment.
“we need a boat to reach the island,which will sadly delay the restoration efforts,” explained Risbruna.
Norway’s Arctic Nature Reserve Offers Glimpse into a Fragile Ecosystem
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of northern norway lies Svalbard, a remote archipelago renowned for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. But this fragile Arctic ecosystem faces growing threats from climate change, prompting scientists to study its delicate balance. In January 2025, researchers embarked on a critical mission to Svalbard, seeking to understand the impact of a rapidly warming climate on the islands’ unique surroundings.
A race Against Time: Understanding Climate Change Effects
SvalbardNational Park, established in 1973, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. Home to polar bears, walruses, reindeer, and a myriad of bird species, this Arctic sanctuary serves as a vital habitat for diverse life. However, rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate, threatening the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem.
“The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world,” explains Professor Liselotte Berg, a leading researcher on the expedition. “This has profound consequences for Svalbard’s glaciers, sea ice, and ultimately, the entire food web.”
Exploring the Impacts on Wildlife and Habitat
The research team focused on studying the cascading effects of climate change on Svalbard’s iconic wildlife. They monitored the behaviour and health of polar bears, whose hunting grounds are shrinking due to diminishing sea ice, and observed the impact of melting permafrost on reindeer migration patterns.
By analyzing data collected from field observations,satellite imagery,and climate models,scientists aim to provide valuable insights into the long-term consequences of climate change in the Arctic. Their findings will be crucial for informing conservation efforts and developing strategies to mitigate the impacts on this vulnerable region.
Protecting a Precious Ecosystem: A Call to Action
The research expedition to Svalbard underscores the urgent need for global action on climate change.The fate of this Arctic gem, and the countless species that call it home, hangs in the balance. As Professor Berg emphasizes, “Svalbard serves as a warning sign for the rest of the world. We must act now to protect these fragile ecosystems before it’s too late.”
The research team’s findings will be shared with policymakers, Indigenous communities, and the general public, aiming to raise awareness and inspire action to preserve this unique and irreplaceable natural treasure.
Southern Norway Braces for Heavy Snowfall
Southern norway is preparing for a major winter storm, with up to 50 centimeters of snow expected to blanket the region over the next two days. The norwegian public Roads Governance has deployed all available plowing crews to combat the accumulating snow, keeping critical transportation routes clear.
Oslo, while experiencing a relatively calm start to the day, is bracing for the brunt of the snowfall. State Meteorologist Pernille Borander urges residents to prepare for challenging conditions. “It may hurt to say, but be prepared for the worst, as it is indeed likely that it might very well be challenging over the next 24 hours,” Borander warned.
In Vestfold, schools have shifted to online learning, and residents are encouraged to work from home if possible. Strong winds accompanying the snowfall have prompted yellow weather warnings in several areas.
Adding to the wintry conditions, videos from Bølehøgda in Skien captured strong winds whipping through the landscape on Monday morning, providing a glimpse of the challenging weather facing Southern Norway.The heavy snowfall is expected to continue throughout Monday and tuesday, disrupting travel and daily life. Authorities urge residents to stay informed about weather updates and exercise caution during this period.
Norway Braces for Heavy Snow and Strong Winds
A major winter storm is set to impact Norway, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is urging drivers to exercise caution and allow for extra travel time.
E39 in Kristiansand in the morning hours on Monday.
Photo: Thomas Sommerset / NRK
“Snow is coming and it will inevitably settle on the roads. All available plowing crews are out and taking measures, they have also done that throughout the night,” says Stian Molteberg, a traffic operator with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
Power Companies Prepare for Potential Outages
The storm also carries the risk of power outages. Network companies,including Elvia,are increasing preparedness in anticipation of potential disruptions.
“When a severe storm is forecast that we believe could affect the power supply, we increase preparedness. This involves extra crew on standby inside, at the customer center, outside crew ready on alert, upscaling of the operations center and a helicopter company on standby if needed,” said Stein Orrem, manager of the operations center at Elvia, in a press release.
Elvia provides electricity to customers in Oslo, Innlandet, Akershus and Østfold.
Train Travel Disrupted
Commuters should also expect delays and cancellations on train services. Bane Nor, the norwegian railway infrastructure manager, has announced reduced train traffic in Eastern Norway due to the severe weather conditions.
“Due to warnings of heavy snow and strong winds, fewer trains will be run in Eastern Norway,” Bane Nor announced on its website.
While trains will operate on all lines, some cancellations are expected due to the forecast of heavy snow and strong winds. The reduced train schedule is anticipated to last until tuesday.
Real-Time Information on Train Cancellations
To stay updated on the latest train cancellations, visit Here you can see which trains are cancelled .
Norwegian Train Network Faces Disruptions Due to Heavy Snowfall
Heavy snowfall across Norway has led to significant disruptions on the country’s train network. While some lines are operating as usual,several routes have been altered or cancelled completly,impacting commuters and travelers.
Modified Train Schedules
Vy, norway’s national railway operator, has announced changes to its train schedules, with several lines running on a reduced frequency.Lines L1 Lillestrøm-Asker/Spikkestad and L2 Stabekk-Ski will now operate every half hour instead of every 15 minutes.
Simultaneously occurring, the R13 Dal–Drammen line is not operating between Lillestrøm and drammen. The R12 Eidsvoll-Kongsberg line will continue to run as usual, with additional stops at Lier and Brakerøya, according to Vy. The R14 Kongsvinger–Asker line will not be running between Lillestrøm and Asker.
the R21 Stabekk-Moss line is not running between Stabekk and Oslo S, and the R22 Oslo S-Mysen line is not operating between Ski and Oslo S.
International Routes Affected
International train services are also impacted.The RE20 Oslo S-Halden/Gothenburg line will operate as usual until 10:00 am, after which it will only run between Oslo S and Halden due to a red danger warning in Sweden.
Additional Service Adjustments
Lines RE30 Oslo S-Gjøvik and R31 Oslo-Nittedal/Jaren will run with extra stops at Nydalen, Snippen, Movatn, Åneby, varingskollen, and Hakadal. Vy will update the public on the precise schedule for the R31 line soon.
The R55 Notodden-Porsgrunn line’s status is also pending confirmation.
Bane Nor Works to Keep Tracks Clear
Bane Nor, the Norwegian Railway Infrastructure Manager, has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the snowfall. The institution has purchased twelve new rail-running work machines and deployed additional crews to clear snow from the tracks.
What steps are Norwegian authorities taking to ensure the safety of residents during the impending storm?
Enter, and in the field,” explains Elvia spokesperson, kari Nordli. “We are also in close contact with the Norwegian Meteorological Institute to stay updated on the whether conditions.”
Travel Disruptions Expected
The combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds is expected to cause meaningful travel disruptions across Norway. Flights, trains, and ferry services may be delayed or canceled, and road conditions are likely to be hazardous. authorities are advising travelers to check for updates from their transport providers before setting out.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary,” says molteberg.“Our priority is to keep the roads as safe as possible, but we urge everyone to drive carefully and allow extra time for their journeys.”
Residents Urged to Prepare
Residents in affected areas are being urged to prepare for the storm by stocking up on essential supplies, ensuring they have choice heating sources in case of power outages, and securing outdoor furniture and other items that could be blown away by strong winds.
“It’s important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario,” says Borander. “This storm has the potential to cause significant disruption,so taking precautions now can help mitigate the impact.”
Conclusion
As Norway braces for this major winter storm, the focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of it’s residents. With heavy snowfall, strong winds, and the potential for power outages and travel disruptions, authorities are working tirelessly to minimize the impact of the storm. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and look out for one another during this challenging time.
“We are all in this together,” says Nordli. “By staying prepared and working together, we can weather this storm and come out stronger on the other side.”
