Hundreds Seek Shelter After Storm Hits Northwest Iceland

2026-03-16 - 08:55

More than 300 people spent the night in emergency shelters in northwestern Iceland after severe weather and hazardous road conditions left travellers stranded across the region. As reported by RÚV, authorities say around 320 people stayed in temporary relief centres set up in Blönduós and at Reykjaskóli in Hrútafjörður, while an estimated 100 to 200 others found accommodation elsewhere. What's the Story? About 320 people sheltered overnight in relief centres at Blönduós and Reykjaskóli after storm conditions stranded travellers Emergency assistance provided by the Icelandic Red Cross, police and rescue teams Multiple road closures and restrictions across the region, including routes near Súðavíkurhlíð, Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður due to weather conditions and avalanche risk Roads slowly reopening Emergency response efforts are being coordinated by the Icelandic Red Cross alongside police and rescue teams. Several roads remain closed or difficult to pass following the storm. The route over Holtavörðuheiði, which had been shut overnight, has now reopened, allowing some stranded travellers to continue their journeys. However, roads including Fróðárheiði and parts of the Westfjords remain impassable as clearing operations continue. Authorities have also warned that the road through Súðavíkurhlíð could close at short notice due to avalanche risk. Further closures affect routes around Þverárfjall and the roads to Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður because of avalanche danger. Aðalheiður Jónsdóttir, emergency response team leader at the Icelandic Red Cross, said local residents played a key role in supporting relief efforts. “In reality, it was a tremendous amount of cooperation between the residents of Blönduós and all the responders to make this happen. There were a lot of people and it went very well.” She added that volunteers quickly responded when additional supplies were needed. “As soon as the road opens, people can leave. I’m starting to hear that some people have started leaving Reykjaskóli, so there’s some relief.”