Increased likelihood of landslides in Southeast Iceland, the Southern Eastfjords and the Central Highlands through early Friday morning

Several low-pressure systems will pass over Iceland this week, bringing warm and moist air. Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected from Tuesday through Thursday night, particularly in Southeast Iceland, near Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, in the southern Central Highlands, and the southern Eastfjords. Considerable rainfall is also possible on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Due to the mild temperatures, most of the precipitation will fall as rain, including at higher elevations. In addition, snow and ice melt from glaciers may further increase runoff in rivers and streams within the affected areas.

Significant rainfall already fell across parts of Southeast and East Iceland last week. Water that infiltrates the ground may increase pore-water pressure in slopes, thereby increasing the likelihood of slope failures such as rockfalls and debris flows.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall. The warning notes that increased runoff and rising water levels in rivers and streams may elevate the risk of flooding, causing damage and disrupting transportation.

The large amount of accumulated rainfall expected through early Friday morning increases the likelihood of landslide activity, including rockfalls and debris flows, particularly in steep terrain. Landslides may reach roads and disrupt transportation with little warning.

As roads often run beneath steep slopes, travelers are advised to exercise caution and follow information on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s website.

The public is encouraged to report landslides and rockfalls to the Landslide Watch. Reports can be sent by email to skriduvakt@vedur.is or submitted using the electronic reporting form for landslides and avalanches. Please provide the precise location and, if known, the time when the landslide or rockfall occurred. If the exact time is not known, it is sufficient to state when it was first observed. Please include photographs where possible. The Landslide Watch reviews the reports and attempts to verify them before they are entered into the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s landslide database.