Severe weather disruptions have impacted travel across various mountain passes this weekend, resulting in significant travel warnings and service cancellations. Early Sunday morning, meteorologists issued alerts for dangerous conditions on major routes, warning travelers to exercise caution as snowfall and strong winds were forecasted.
Travel authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Recent reports from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration revealed safety measures, including potential convoy driving to mitigate risks. "Temperatures will gradually decrease today, starting with rain and sleet at higher elevations, then wind from the north," stated Espen Biseth Granan, a meteorologist from the Meteorological Institute. He noted the long-term impacts of adverse weather conditions on safe transit.
Among the most affected were the Fylkesvei 813 over Beiarfjellet and E6 over Saltfjellet, both of which saw delays and closures due to worsening weather conditions. At around 7:52 AM, authorities confirmed the closure of E6 over Saltfjellet due to severe weather, and by 10:04 AM, updates indicated convoy driving was necessary down to Lønsdalen.
Travelers on Riksvei 77 over Graddis also encountered challenges including reduced visibility and slippery conditions, necessitating convoy operations from the Swedish side. Local ferry services weren’t spared either; Torghatten Nord announced cancellations affecting their Bodø - Røst - Værøy - Moskenes routes due to high seas and strong winds. Departures from Moskenes at noon, as well as other routes, were also scrapped, frustrating many travelers hoping for smoother transit.
Practicing safe travel during these harsh conditions requires vigilance. According to travel advisories, snow and snowdrifts are forming on the roads, with warnings issued for potential snow avalanches across the Vestland region. "Many places will see snow and strong winds, and there is also concern for snowdrifts featuring reduced visibility," Granan explained. Motorists are urged to assess local conditions before embarking on their journeys.
To assist travelers with real-time updates, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has launched a new feature within its Vegvesen Trafikk app. This service allows users to check the probability of convoy driving or road closures up to a week prior to their trips, enabling them to avoid unexpected delays at weather-exposed stretches of road. Their aim is straightforward: "Using the forecast functionality for convoy driving and road closure as planning tools can help avoid long queues at mountain passes or weather-exposed sections," said representatives from the administration.
This comprehensive app provides updated information on mountain passes and weather-sensitive routes. Users can find the percentage probability of convoy driving or closures based on historical data and current forecasts. The innovative forecasting also includes traffic news and live imagery from web cameras where available.
Given the unpredictability of mountain weather, it is recommended travelers routinely check for updated traffic messages within the Vegvesen Trafikk app or on official websites. "We recommend always checking updated traffic messages in the Vegvesen Trafikk app or on the website," noted officials from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. This proactive strategy may help avoid being caught off-guard by sudden changes in weather-related conditions.
Travelers are reminded to prepare adequately for their journeys, considering potential weather disruptions as conditions continue to evolve. The Norwegian region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but the beauty can bring challenges, particularly during adverse weather conditions which require caution and preparedness from all travelers.