Storm chaos in Bergen: 33m/s gusts and E16 closed – time to secure your trampoline
Good morning, Bergen! Or should I say, good morning, West Coasters? If you stuck your head out this morning, you'll have felt it straight away: the autumn storm is upon us. I've lived here my whole life, and even I have to admit it's howling a proper gale around the houses today. According to local reports, we're looking at wind gusts of up to 33m/s, and you can really feel it. B.T. – or just 'BT' as we tend to call it now – has the full picture of what's going on, and I've been keeping an eye on the latest updates from the newsroom.
Wind gusts up to 33m/s – secure your trampoline!
Here on the west coast, we're used to a bit of wind, but what we're seeing today is a bit much. Overnight, we recorded wind gusts of up to 33 metres per second in several places. We're not just talking about the wheely bin tipping over here. It's actually time to do a quick check of the garden. Got a trampoline? You'll want to get that properly anchored down. I've seen them take off from gardens before, and it's not just a flying hazard for the kids and the neighbour's shrubs. The same goes for the boat – now's the time you'll be glad you checked the moorings.
E16 closed after landslide
For those of us who need to get to work, it's more serious. The E16 near Stølvang is currently closed due to a landslide. It's one of the main arteries in and out of Bergen, so it's causing real disruption. This was reported this morning, and the local newsrooms are keeping a close eye on the situation. If you're planning on driving anywhere, check the traffic reports before you set off. There are live updates online, and they're being updated constantly.
Personally, I've become more and more reliant on tech in my daily life. My Samsung Galaxy Watch 42mm with Bluetooth and 4G has become a constant companion. It's on my wrist, and I get all the news alerts straight to it. So even if my phone is buried in my coat pocket or charging in the bedroom, I know instantly if there's a new update on the landslide or if the weather is taking a turn for the worse. The Bluetooth connection means the watch talks seamlessly to my phone, and with 4G, I'm connected wherever I am. It's brilliant when you're in the middle of a storm and don't want to fumble for your phone in the rain.
Choosing a car for stormy weather: Mazda BT-50 to the rescue?
And speaking of cars: in weather like this, a solid pickup truck is worth its weight in gold. I'm thinking of classics like the Mazda BT-50. It's always been known for coping well with Norwegian road conditions. Four-wheel drive and good ground clearance mean you can get through when others have to turn back. I just saw a neighbour getting helped by a bloke in a BT-50 to pull a car up an icy slope. It's cars like that you appreciate when the temperature drops below freezing and the roads get icy. Admittedly, it's mostly rain and wind at the moment, but with landslides and standing water on the roads, it's reassuring to have something that feels solid and dependable.
So, to sum up: here are a few quick tips from someone who's been through a few storms before:
- Securing things: Tie down trampolines, garden furniture, and boats. It's windier than you think.
- Travel: Avoid the E16 near Stølvang for now. Keep an eye on local news for updates.
- Tech: Use a smartwatch (like the Samsung Galaxy Watch with Bluetooth) to get alerts without having to dig out your phone in the rain.
- Driving: If you've got a Mazda BT-50 or something similar, you'll be glad of it today – it'll earn its keep.
Let's hope this storm blows over soon. Until then: keep up with the local papers, listen to the Good Morning Bergen broadcasts on the radio, and don't take any unnecessary risks. And remember: better safe than sorry, as we say here on the West Coast.