Rescue teams across Iceland were called out on Monday to deal with a string of incidents brought on by fierce winds and dangerous conditions that disrupted travel and caused considerable property damage, especially in the southwest.
RÚV has since reported that no weather warnings remain in effect anywhere in the country.
According to Landsbjörg, the national search and rescue organisation, most calls came in about stranded motorists, blocked roads, and scattered debris. Near Miðfell, east of Lake Þingvallavatn, between ten and fifteen vehicles needed assistance. Others ran into trouble at Þingvellir National Park and had to be escorted to nearby towns after becoming stuck — some vehicles, including motorhomes, were abandoned altogether.
Further incidents were recorded at Þrengsli, Hellisheði, and Kjósarskarðsvegur.
In the north, rescue workers helped around seven vehicles near Biskupsháls in the Mývatn area. Out west, roughly ten people were guided down from mountain roads in Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur.
“In Suðurnes, rescue teams were on the ground managing road closures and remained alert in Grindavík due to concerns about a possible landslip in the area. At six o’clock, Þorbjörn in Grindavík was called out to assist with storm-related issues in the town,” stated a Landsbjörg announcement.
Building damage was reported as well. In Hella and Hvolsvöllur, roof tiles and cladding were torn from homes, while concerns were raised about potential roof damage in Reykjanesbær.
Alongside the storm response, rescue teams also supported medical transport in the southwest. Separately, emergency services were called to a private aircraft that had departed from Akureyri Airport following reports of a possible engine failure — the plane landed safely shortly afterward.
