Torsdag 12. november 2026 førte snø og glatte veier til ulykker og trafikkaos på Østlandet og Vestlandet, noe som påvirket bussoperasjoner og lot motorvogner stå fast.
Police in South-East Norway reported numerous collisions and run-offs as hazardous winter weather moved across the region. In Oslo, the adverse conditions severely disrupted public transit, forcing cancellations and widespread delays during the morning commute.
Meteorologists issued a yellow weather warning for snow across eastern and western districts. Western Norway experienced heavy snowfall overnight, with accumulations reaching five to ten centimeters before conditions began easing around 7:00 AM, according to meteorological reports.
Simultaneously, the weather deteriorated sharply across Eastern Norway. Forecasters warned motorists to expect between five and 15 centimeters of snow, urging drivers to equip proper winter tires and allow extra travel time.
In the capital, Ruter reported that 34 bus routes were canceled, accounting for 65 percent of its scheduled bus network. Aftenposten reported that over one thousand bus departures faced delays or cancellations during the height of the disruptions.
“[The day] goes as expected on a first winter day. The biggest challenge now is snow clearing in the inner city,” said Eilif Swensen, press contact for Ruter.
Swensen explained that snowplows frequently became trapped in the same severe traffic congestion affecting all other motorists. While the city’s tram network experienced system-wide delays, the T-subway system continued operating normally.
NAF communications adviser Nils Sødal issued a statement emphasizing that motorists who had not yet switched to winter tires needed to do so immediately or leave their vehicles parked.
Did You Know? Heavy snow accumulation caused a tree to collapse in Oslo’s Botanical Garden on Thursday morning, damaging a utility pole, a fence, and a lighting fixture, which prompted authorities to close the park for the day.
Traffic operators documented major bottlenecks across the greater Oslo area, including stalled heavy transport vehicles near the Vålerenga tunnel, Bryn, and Klemetsrud, where large commercial vehicles were unable to pass.
“We can wish ourselves good luck,” said traffic operator Gunnar Dovland.
Ahmed Ali, a bus driver with eight years of experience in Oslo, described the conditions as exceptionally difficult due to un-salted uphill routes and unready roads.
“First day with snow, it is always chaos,” said Ali.
In Larvik, South-East Police District operations leader Per Magne Eftang reported that a school bus carrying 24 children slid off the road, though no physical injuries occurred. Eftang said that despite high stress levels and extensive stationary traffic involving private cars and trucks, emergency personnel kept operations under control.
While the snowfall pattern was tracking northward toward Mjøsa, forecasters anticipated that the winter conditions in the capital would be short-lived. Temperatures are projected to rise significantly starting Friday, bringing above-freezing conditions to Oslo.
Ruter reported that 34 bus routes were canceled, representing 65 percent of the total bus network. Aftenposten said that over one thousand individual departures experienced delays or cancellations.
Meteorological officials said that the snow is unlikely to persist because temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing starting on Friday, with a high probability that the accumulation will melt by Saturday.
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