"Mitigating Avalanche Risk: A Joint Effort from Rogaland to Nordland – NRK Vestland"

Heavy Rain and Snowmelt Increase Risk of Landslides – World Health Organization (WHO)”>Flooding and Landslides

A weather warning has been issued for parts of Norway, with the Norwegian Water and Energy Directorate (NVE) closely monitoring the situation. According to Heidi Bache Stranden, duty chief for avalanche warnings at NVE, heavy rain on a dry snow cover can trigger natural avalanches, i.e., avalanches that loosen due to their own weight.

Heavy rain expected

• In the west, localized amounts of 60-80 millimeters can be expected on Monday. In Nordland and Nord-Trøndelag, amounts of around 20-40 millimeters can be expected over the next 24 hours. This rain will be accompanied by mild temperatures, and there will also be some snowmelt generally.
• Emily Carin Rønning of the Meteorological Institute describes the weather as "being quite nice and cool." In large parts of the country, temperatures will drop below freezing before milder air and rain arrive on Sunday evening and Monday. In South Norway and some parts of Nordland, there will also be some snowmelt.

Flooding and landslide risks

• Rønning warns that the coming weather may lead to localized flooding and landslides. She urges people to keep an eye on varsom.no.
• Rønning also advises motorists to keep an eye on road traffic reports. If there is standing water on the road, it can lead to dangerous driving conditions. In some parts of North Norway, there is also a risk that it may freeze.

Stay informed and prepare

• Ole Irgens, communications chief at Tryg Forsikring, encourages people to use the time they have left now to prepare for the approaching weather event. He sees this as a "preventable disaster" and encourages people to use these days wisely.
• Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Check your home

   • Irgens suggests everyone check if their home is ready for the rain. Meltwater from roofs and gutters can cause significant damage if not properly maintained. If your roof is flat, be aware that water buildup can cause leakage.
   • He also advises checking for any damage to roof tiles or other structures that could be worsened by heavy snow.

2. Prevent damage from snow

   • Irgens advises checking where the snow might fall. If it lands on another roof, outbuilding, or balcony, it could cause damage.
   • He warns that wet snow is very heavy, and a large accumulation of snow in one place can cause significant damage.

3. Check your balcony

   • For those living in apartments or ROW houses, Irgens suggests clearing the balcony of as much snow as possible. Ensure the drain is clear to prevent water accumulation.

4. Check your cabin and boat

   • Irgens advises boat owners to remove snow from their boats before the rain arrives to prevent water damage and buoyancy issues.
   • He also warns that older cabins built before the 1980s may have weaker roof structures that cannot withstand as much snow.
5. Stay off the roads if possible
   • Irgens urges people to stay off the roads if they do not have to travel. The past few days and weeks have seen many road assistance cases due to people driving in hazardous conditions. He advises driver to stay home if the conditions become too challenging.

Stay informed, prepare, and stay safe during this weather event. Keep an eye on local weather updates and follow the advice of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Water and Energy Directorate.