Yellow landslide warning in the East fjords

The weather forecast indicates considerable precipitation in the eastern region from Thursday, 8 October, through Friday, 9 October, as a frontal system moves across the country. The past several weeks have been unusually wet, and rainfall will therefore fall onto soils that are already saturated in many areas. Precipitation is expected to decrease late on Friday, accompanied by a slight drop in temperature, which should reduce the likelihood of landslides.

Last week, a low-pressure system crossed the country, bringing substantial rainfall to many parts of the country. Following that event, reports were received of landslides and rockfalls in the East Fjords, as well as in Skriðdalur and Fljótsdalur. Similar conditions may develop during the next two days, although the expected accumulated rainfall is lower this time.

The high amount of accumulated precipitation expected by Friday increases the likelihood of landslide activity, including rockfalls and debris flows, particularly in areas of steep terrain. Much of the road network in the East fjords runs beneath steep slopes, and sudden slope movements such as rockfalls, debris flows, and shallow landslides may disrupt transportation.

Avoid staying below steep slopes, exercise caution when travelling, and monitor information from the IMO and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

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.