In large parts of the country, slippery roads, wind and the risk of freezing rain have been reported. The message from the National Roads Administration is clear: – In large parts of the country, the driving conditions may be difficult in the coming days, so consider whether you can postpone the drive until the weather and road conditions have improved. Preparedness advisor Tommy Steinnes told news on Boxing Day. The message still applies on Wednesday morning. Snow has been reported in almost the entire country for the next few days, the Swedish Road Administration writes in a press release on Tuesday evening. – Follow the weather forecasts where you will be driving and check the traffic reports, urges Steinnes. In this case, you can read about the driving conditions in: East: – Will get worse on Thursday Ole Fredrik Haugen, traffic operator in the Swedish Roads Administration, does not believe that Christmas Day will be a big departure day. At the same time, he reminds that it is winter and that motorists should take that into account: – It is December and typically winter weather, people have to take that into account. It is important to keep a little more distance and communicate better with other road users. He says there have been few traffic accidents in the region over Christmas, but that the driving conditions will probably be more challenging on Thursday. – It is reported to be cold on the ground, which can make it difficult to salt and sprinkle, so it will probably be worse on Thursday, says Haugen. At Vegvesen traffic (175), you will find an overview of the traffic reports for the whole country. The Norwegian Meteorological Institute has issued a yellow warning for snow in large parts of Eastern Norway. Illustration: Meteorological institute South: – Increasing wind towards the evening Also in the south there are still fair driving conditions, says traffic operator Tove Wåsjø to news on Wednesday morning. – It was quiet last night. The weather is cold and stable, but a little more rain and wind is expected later in the evening, it seems. Wåsjø says they are following the development beyond. – The weather hits Kristiansand at six o’clock this evening, with increasing wind strength and some precipitation. Hopefully it won’t have much to do with traffic. West: – Heavy snow and slippery roads In western Norway, there are many slippery roads throughout the region, says traffic operator Kjetil Hodnekvam. They have contractors out working, but they cover large areas, says Hodnekvam. – It is demanding work when there are so many fluctuations in traffic and weather conditions. It is challenging work. In Stryn, fv. 5723 closed due to risk of avalanche. The same is fv. 5724. A new assessment will be made on both roads at 10 o’clock. Heavy snow flurries, gales and significant avalanche danger have been announced in several places in the country. In Stad, fv. 5744 closed, also due to the risk of avalanches. The same applies for example. 5829 in Volda. Both roads will be reassessed at 12 o’clock. – There has been a lot of heavy snow in Sogn og Fjordane. Several roads are therefore closed as a precaution, so new assessments will be made beyond the morning hours, says Hodnekvam. He says there are big differences on the roads in the area, and asks motorists to read traffic reports before they go on a trip. – On the big roads there is salt and good conditions, but out in the rural areas it is soon a little different. The call is to keep up to date, he says. Middle: Quiet third day of Christmas In Møre and Romsdal and Trøndelag, traffic is going well on Wednesday morning. – Here it is quiet and calm, says traffic operator Kari Vigmostad to news. – There are some snow showers, but the traffic is going well so far, she says. It has snowed heavily in several places in the country over Christmas. Here from the E39 between Lavik and Vadheim on Christmas Eve. Photo: Geir Bjarte Hjetland / news Nord: – Difficult driving conditions in several places – In Nordland we have had quite a lot of rainfall from yesterday afternoon and through the night. There has been quite a bit of wind at times, so the plowing crews have been out all night to keep the roads open, says traffic operator Morten Fjellheim. In Lofoten and Vesterålen, as well as Senja, the weather has changed to mild weather. This leads to difficult driving conditions in several places. – The contractors have asked us to post notices about slippery roads in several places, because they are unable to maintain satisfactory road standards, when the conditions are as they are, says Fjellheim. In Indre Troms and Finnmark, there have been relatively normal conditions, suitable for the time of year. In Nordland, the snowy weather will continue throughout the day. In Tromsø and Finnmark, the weather will change to milder weather. Mountain crossings Fylkesvei 53 Tyin-Årdal in Vang i Innlandet are closed due to avalanches. There will be a new assessment of the road at 10.30 on Wednesday. The large and busiest mountain passes are open. At the same time, the National Roads Administration urges you to have a fully charged battery or enough fuel in the tank, if you are going over the mountain. – Bring warm clothes and winter shoes, and it’s a good idea to bring food and hot drinks. You may have to wait in line. Feel free to bring a lantern, tow rope and snow shovel, which are also easily accessible, said Tommy Steinnes in a press release on Tuesday evening.
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