Red alerts issued for parts of Iceland as intense snow and blizzards hit the country
Image credit: WXCHARTS, GFS
Parts of Iceland were placed on Red Alert on Monday, February 7, 2022, due to a violent bomb cyclone affecting the country today. Wind gusts could reach up to 200 km/h (124 mph).
- A Red Alert for weather was issued for South Iceland and Faxafloi – Southwest Iceland.
- An Orange Alert is in effect for Breidafjordur – Westnorthwest Iceland, Westfjords, Northwest Iceland, Northeast Iceland, East Iceland, Eastfjords, Southeast Iceland and Central highlands – Uninhabited part of Iceland.
Faxaflói and South can expect winds with speeds between 85 – 110 km/h (55 – 70 mph), snow, and blowing snow. Sleet or rain are expected closest to shore. There is a high risk of damages and contractors are encouraged to secure building sites.
Reykjavik area can expect wind speeds between 45 – 70 km/h (30 – 45 mph), heavy showers of snow and poor traveling conditions. Wind gusts in snow showers could exceed 125 km/h (80 mph) locally. There is an increased risk of lightning.

Weather alerts for Iceland as of 09:03 UTC on February 7, 2022. Credit: IMO
"The storm is now on a fast track to the northeast," the Icelandic Met Office said at 07:50 UTC. "The weather has been worst in the southwest corner of the country but is now moving to the northwest and then east over the country.
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
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