Expect wind gusts of over 40 m/s in Western Norway – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio

– There will be a real storm. The weather looks very nice during the day, but the skin is deceiving, says state meteorologist Geir Ottar Fagerlid to news. The storm, which has been named “Gerrit” in Great Britain, will especially hit Western Norway this evening. For parts of Rogaland and Vestland, specifically Jæren, Dalane, Ryfylke, Hardanger and inner parts of Sunnhordland, there is an orange warning. Wind gusts of 33–42 m/s are expected in this area. This corresponds to 118-151 km/h. State meteorologist Geir Ottar Fagerlid believes the storm could have major consequences. Photo: Anders Ekanger / news – We are very worried. Bridges may be closed and ferries may be cancelled. Buildings and roofs can be damaged. Falling trees can take the power, and if you lose the power, it can take a long time before you get it back. Especially if you live a little out of the way, says Fagerlid. For the rest of Rogaland and large parts of Vestland, a yellow danger warning and wind gusts of over 30 m/s apply. This means the orange danger warning Very strong gusts of wind (Parts of Rogaland and Vestland) Orange level Recommendations Secure all loose objects Avoid traffic in exposed places Calculate extra time for transport and driving Consider whether the journey is necessary Follow advice and check status from transport operators Check road reports (175 .no) The need for emergency preparedness must be continuously assessed by emergency responders Exercise caution when traveling in the beach zone and on the sea In advance consider measures to limit damage Consequences Objects can be taken by the wind or blown over Risk of damage to buildings and infrastructure Canceled ferry departures, flights or other transport are expected Bridges may be closed Many journeys may have longer journey times Power supply will be affected, for example as a result of trees breaking or coming into contact with the power grid Roads may be closed due to trees or other objects in the roadway Snøfokk provides reduced visibility and the possibility of convoy driving and/or closed roads The strong wind can cause locally high waves in fjord areas and lakes Description: Locally very strong gusts of 33-42 m/s are expected from the east-southeast. A strong storm is expected in the mountains. SOURCE: Yr.no Consequences other than “Pia” This time the wind will come from the southeast. And this storm will therefore hit differently than “Pia” which hit the south-west last week. – Storm “Pia” mostly affected the coast, while this storm hits more inland. There are two different storms. Those who live in Ryfylke will feel that “Pia” was just a small breeze, says the state meteorologist. – The wind can become so strong that places where you are not used to feeling south-east wind, can feel it now. It is a serious situation. In addition to strong gusts of wind, snow is expected. – Visibility will be poor in the wind. This is almost a blizzard, says Fagerlid. Asking people to stay inside At the Gullingen weather station in Suldal, wind gusts of up to 47 m/s, snow and minus temperatures are expected. 47 m/s corresponds to almost 170 km/h. Bjørn Egil Nerheim asks people at Gullingen in Suldal to get inside as soon as possible when it gets windy tonight. Photo: Privat The experienced trail rider, Bjørn Egil Nerheim, asks people to take the weather into account. – People must get into houses or cabins as soon as it starts to blow up. There is nothing to be out about, he says. – I have been out in a hurricane here. It started at 32 m/s. When it starts to go above that, it’s not outdoor weather, you can safely say that. At least not with so much fresh snow. South-east wind is felt quite well over the whole area here. – Turn around in time – Around midnight we should have wind gusts of over 30 m/s Øvre Sirdal. We absolutely do not recommend going out into the woods and fields and being far away from buildings, says Ole Sletten, supervisor of the Scouts’ emergency group Sør-West. He is part of the voluntary rescue service in the area. Sletten reports that today the weather is very nice, with an almost cloudless sky, 74 cm of snow, and about minus 11 degrees. – My experience is that people are happy to enjoy the mountains, and embark on a trip that is a little longer than it should be. We have to follow the mountain weather rules and follow the weather forecast, and turn around in time, he says. Mountain crossing may be closed A yellow danger warning has been issued for heavy snow and gusts of wind on Haukelifjell. – Snøfokk provides reduced visibility and the possibility of convoy driving and/or closed roads, writes Yr on its website. State meteorologist Terje Alsvik Walløe recommends not driving in the mountains in the evening or at night. – I wouldn’t do that. There is no point if you can avoid it. This is how it looked on Haukelifjell on Christmas Day. Photo: Norwegian Public Roads Administration The mountain crossing at Haukelifjell is open, but that can change quickly. – There is a high risk in the next 24 hours of introducing queue driving or closure if the weather dictates it. This also applies to the mountain passes on Hol – Aurland and Hardangervidda, says traffic operator Sara Bendiksen. State meteorologist Fagerlid believes that although the storm will be powerful, it will pass relatively quickly. – It clears up again quite quickly. It’s mostly at night, so in that sense it’s at a favorable time. The showers will be noticeable in the days ahead, but there will not be much wind, he says.



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