Early snow, strong winds wreak havoc in Norway

Intense weather started hitting Vestlandet (Western Norway) on September 14, 2019, with strong storms, winds, and snow all over the area. The extreme conditions resulted in uprooted trees, knocked down power lines, floods, and landslides.

Up to 20 cm (7.8 inches) of snow was dumped in some parts of the mountains. Many others were also evacuated due to risks of flooding and landslides after torrential rains.

The extreme storms also prompted officials to close several roads including RV52 over Hemsedalsfjellet, and 10 other county roads from Laerdal and Geiranger to Stryn. Trollstigen was also closed immediately, leaving tourists disappointed.

Southern cities Kristiansand and Arendal received powerful wind gusts, which caused trees knocking down power towers eventually cutting off electricity. Utility companies have started repairing the damages.

Harsh winds and storms also destroyed over 180 apple trees in Hardanger, leaving farmers devastated. Although that kind of weather is typical for locals, the gusts that recently hit the area were shockingly too powerful.

The coastal city of Alesund was stunned by severe weather as well that ships had to cancel the sailing. Over 3 400 passengers were stranded as a result.

Meanwhile, 75 mm (3 inches) of heavy rain fell in Bergen from September 14 to 15.

According to the country's meteorological agency, more snow is expected to fall through the week.

Featured image credit: Statens Vegvesen