Headline: Christmas Storms Close Major Roads and Ferries in Northern Norway; Hurtigruten Shifts Routes
In the early hours of Boxing Day, fierce storms have led to the closure of several sections of E6, with road authorities issuing severe weather alerts. The primary impacted region is the north, according to updates from Vegtrafikksentralen.
E6 Closures Due to Intense Uvather
The most significant closure is over the mountain pass Saltfjellet on E6. The decision to shut down the route is a direct response to the severe weather battering the northern regions. Authorities have announced a re-evaluation of the situation at 08:00. Meanwhile, Storm in Finnmark: Two Trucks and a Car Blown Off Road on Same Stretch – NRK Troms and Finnmark</strong></p>”>E69 is also affected by closures, mainly on segments like Repvåg-Nordkapptunnelen, Hønsa-Repvåg, and Skipsfjordhøgda-Skarsvåg.
Several ferry connections have also been disrupted, including Bognes-Lødingen. In addition, numerous fylkesvegers in Finnmark have been temporarily closed due to the storm.
Hurtigruten Modifies Routes
The winter storm has also forced Hurtigruten to adjust its schedules for both Christmas and Boxing Day. In response to the incapability to navigate safely, Hurtigruten has cancelled multiple stops, including:
- ‘MS ‘Nordkapp” has suspended its northbound sailing stops at Tromsø, Skjervøy, Øksfjord, Hammerfest, Havøysund, Honningsvåg, Kjøllefjord, Mehamn, Berlevåg, Båtsfjord, Vardø, Vadsø, and Kirkenes. Southbound, it will miss stops at Kirkenes, Vardø, Båtsfjord, Berlevåg, Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, and Honningsvåg.
- ‘MS ‘Midnattsol” has cancelled stops at Risøyhamn, Sortland, Stokmarknes, Svolvær, and Stamsund on its southbound route. It plans to resume service from Bodø on December 27th.
Frequent Closures of E6 over Sennalandet
E6 has experienced frequent closures over Sennalandet. According to Vegtrafikksentralen, there is an increased risk of black ice (fokkskavler) over the pass.
Christmas Day Storms
Reports from Tuesday also highlighted numerous storm-related road closures across Northern Norway due to strong winds. Not even robust bridges like the Sandnessundbrua between Tromsø and Kvaløya were spared from closures during severe gusts, despite police warnings. In Troms, severe storms led to the issuance of three warning levels for ice, strong wind gusts, and significant avalanche risks.
As the storm system continues, Northern Norway is bracing for intense winds and heavy snowfall on Thursday. Road authorities warn that roads could be closed temporarily without much notice due to hazardous weather conditions, particularly in areas more than 200 to 500 meters above sea level. Motorists are urged to remain vigilant and consider delaying their travels until the storm subsides.
