Southwest Iceland Braces for Severe Snow and Traffic Disruptions

2026-03-26 - 08:12

Heavy snowfall is set to hit much of the country, with orange warnings now in place for six of the eleven forecast regions. The Icelandic Met Office is predicting a southeasterly storm accompanied by significant snow, particularly affecting the capital, South Iceland, Southeast Iceland, Faxaflói Bay, and the Westfjords. What's the Story? Heavy snow and southeasterly storm forecast across Iceland; orange warnings for six regions, including the capital, South Iceland, Southeast Iceland, Faxaflói Bay, and Westfjords Southwest roads closed temporarily; all international and domestic flights delayed or cancelled until after noon; school hours disrupted in the capital area Orange warning upgraded for Westfjords and Southeast Iceland due to heavy snow and strong winds; peak impact in southwest expected around 1PM Snowy driving conditions. Photo: Alina Maurer Highways in the southwest are expected to close temporarily as the worst of the weather moves through, causing major disruption to traffic. As reported by RÚV, most roads out of the capital area are closed, with the exception of the Reykjanesbraut, which is a subject to change. A long section of the Ring Road, stretching from Hvolsvöllur to Höfn in Hornafjörður in South Iceland, is shut. In addition, all international and domestic flights in the southwest have been either cancelled or postponed until after midday. School schedules in the capital area are also being affected. Unpredictable Weather in the Coming Days Speaking to Morgunvaktinn on Channel 1, meteorologist Kristín Hermannsdóttir said the forecast is expected to be accurate. The orange warning for the Westfjords and Southeast Iceland was upgraded from yellow overnight due to the likelihood of heavy snow and very strong winds. Kristín warned that the coming days are likely to remain unpredictable, though once the divide is crossed, conditions should improve markedly across the country. Authorities are urging residents to stay updated on travel conditions and to take care while the storm passes. The latest weather update is available on the official website of the Icelandic Met Office.