Severe Storm Disrupts Roads Across Iceland as Further Closures Loom
Heavy snow, strong winds and poor visibility have placed numerous mountain roads at risk of closure. Iceland’s Road and Coastal Administration reported closures in western and northern Iceland on 14 October, with particularly dangerous travel conditions forecast for the Westfjords.
Severe weather has disrupted road travel across Iceland, prompting warnings that numerous routes could close at short notice. The greatest concern was in the Westfjords, where heavy snowfall, strong winds and blizzard conditions were forecast for mountain roads.
In its 14 October notice, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, Vegagerðin, confirmed that Siglufjarðarvegur had been closed because of severe weather and the danger of falling rocks. The road across southern Snæfellsnes, between Útnesvegur and Heydalsvegur, had also been closed due to weather conditions.
These closures were confirmed at the time of the announcement. However, the status of individual roads can change rapidly as a storm progresses.
Westfjords face particularly dangerous conditions
Vegagerðin warned that travel conditions in the Westfjords would become unsuitable after midday on 14 October, with closures expected across numerous routes.
Roads identified as being at risk included Steingrímsheiði, routes through Ísafjarðardjúp and Þröskuldar. Further warnings covered Gemlufallsheiði, Dynjandisheiði, Miklidalur, Hálfdán, Kleifarheiði, Klettsháls and Barðaströnd.
Northeasterly winds, potentially reaching storm force, were forecast across the Westfjords, Dalir and Snæfellsnes, accompanied by heavy snowfall on mountain roads.
It is important to distinguish between roads already reported closed and those identified as being at risk of closure.
Uncertainty across western and northern Iceland
In western Iceland, Holtavörðuheiði, Brattabrekka, Svínadalur and Vatnaleið were placed under precautionary warnings. Fróðárheiði was also considered likely to close later in the day as conditions deteriorated.
In northwestern Iceland, worsening conditions were forecast for Þverárfjall and Vatnsskarð, where falling temperatures could make the roads impassable.
Öxnadalsheiði was also under a precautionary warning, with snow cover, ice and slush reported. Vegagerðin warned that the route could close at short notice.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office had additionally issued a landslide warning for the Eastfjords, according to Vegagerðin.
Road reopens in southern Iceland
Not every development involved a new closure.
Vegagerðin also reported that the road between Vík and Markarfljót had reopened after being closed earlier that morning.
This illustrates how quickly travel conditions can change during severe weather. A road may reopen while another route becomes impassable.
What travelers need to know
Residents and visitors should check the latest road conditions and closure notices before departure, particularly when traveling across mountain passes or between regions.
Vegagerðin directs travelers to Umferðin.is, which provides road and traffic information in Icelandic, English and Polish. Its traffic information service can also be reached by calling 1777.
A precautionary warning does not mean that a road is already closed. It indicates that conditions may deteriorate and a closure could become necessary at short notice.
Road conditions may change after this article is published. Travelers should consult Umferðin.is for the latest information before setting out.
Sources: Vegagerðin; Umferðin