Severe weather conditions are wreaking havoc across the West Coast of Norway, particularly on Thursday as strong winds led to significant incidents. One remarkable case occurred when half of the roof of a home was torn off by fierce gusts in the Rogaland municipality, prompting emergency services to act swiftly.
Residents of Vindafjord were alarmed around Thursday evening when they witnessed the chaotic scenes. Svein Nesse, duty leader at Rogaland Fire and Rescue, confirmed the incident, noting, "I don't have the exact wind speed, but it's very, very windy." While he wasn't sure about the extent of the damage, he explained their immediate goal was to secure the exposed roof and prevent any additional harm.
The homeowners, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their relief. "We were lucky," they stated. They detailed the terrifying moment when they had just parked their car and exited the vehicle when they heard a loud noise. "Then the roof lifted off. It landed on the neighbor's yard. It's good the pieces didn’t go crashing through someone else’s home," they recounted.
Later on, the family found shelter with relatives as the winds continued to batter the area throughout the day, intensifying by afternoon. This was not the only incident triggered by the weather; the turbulent conditions on Karmsund Bru forced authorities to respond when a vehicle lost its trailer due to the strong winds.
The South-West Police District issued reports of exceptionally high winds impacting traffic and community activities. With safety as their top priority, they urged residents to stay vigilant and secure any loose items outside their homes. "It's important for people to be watchful and safeguard their belongings," Nesse advised.
Parallel to the residential chaos, Bergen faced disruptions as well. The city's famous Christmas market, beloved by locals and visitors, had to close early due to the extreme weather. Steinar Kristoffersen, representing the Bergen Christmas Market, remarked, "We are taking no chances when it concerns safety. That always has to come first," during their announcement of the market's closure.
Additional reports from the area indicated safety issues, such as windows being dislodged by the relentless winds on Øysteins Gate. The local police noted they were dispatched to secure the premises, ensuring the protection of both people and property. Operasjonsleder Knut Dahl-Michelsen stated they were trying to contact property owners to gain access for safety evaluations.
While local authorities scramble to respond to the various situations triggered by the weather, the public is reminded of the necessity to be cautious and prepared for more wind and possible ramifications as predicted conditions linger. The community spirit shines bright, with neighbors coming together to support one another during these adverse events.
All across the Vestlandet region, citizens have been braced for danger, and with this latest round of harsh weather, it’s evident vigilance is key. Everyone is hoping for calmer days as the storms continue to pose challenges, reminding Norwegians of the power of nature.
