Yellow weather warning for severe blowing snow in Southern Norway – Your complete guide on how to use the blowing snow warning and a review of driving conditions
Time to wrap up warm, crank up the car's heating, and keep your wits about you if you're heading over the mountains. Right now, the forecasters who watch the skies hour by hour are turning up their warning systems. Because we're in for a proper blowing snow weekend, folks. From this afternoon, Thursday at 2pm, right through to Friday afternoon, a yellow weather warning has been issued for large parts of the mountains in Southern Norway. That means only one thing: absolute chaos on the roads.
Let me take a step back. What's the deal with blowing snow? Well, it's not just snow. It's the combination of snow and a hell of a lot of wind. That's when the snow starts to drift. You can't see a thing, the snow packs into the road like an ice army, and suddenly you're in the middle of a white hell. Sources tracking the situation closely are crystal clear in their advice: Avoid unnecessary travel in exposed areas. This is not the time for a little Sunday drive.
How to use the weather warning (your blowing snow guide)
OK, you've seen the warning. You know it's yellow. But what now? Here's your lightning-fast blowing snow guide for navigating the next 24 hours. It's actually quite easy to use this information without losing your head.
- Timing: The warning is in effect from Thursday 14:00 to Friday 14:00. Plan your journey outside this window. End of story.
- Areas affected: From Trollheimen in Trøndelag, over Dovrefjell, all the way down to Haukelifjell. This isn't just "a bit of wind in the west". This is the whole belt of mountain passes in the south.
- Driving conditions: Here's a proper blowing snow review based on the forecasts: "Locally reduced visibility" is an understatement. Expect sudden road closures, convoy driving, and generally a right old slushy mess on the roads.
In Western Norway and Central Norway, we know how quickly this can turn. I've been stuck on Filefjell for four hours myself because a lorry decided to jackknife. In weather like this, it's not "ordinary sleet", it's pure and simple blowing snow that means you can't even see the bonnet of your own car.
Your survival kit for the road
Now for the important checklist. If you absolutely MUST go out against all common sense, or if you're already on the road, here's what to remember. People are advised to dress for the conditions, but it's just as much about the car.
Allow extra time. What you think will take two hours will easily take four. And be aware that snow packs down. When the drifting snow settles on the carriageway, it's like driving on wet soap. Make sure you have proper winter tyres, studded if possible. And charge your phone. Download the weather app if you haven't already – it's the quickest way to check for updates.
It's Southern Norway that's been hit especially now, and the police have already started reporting technical issues with their systems today, so it'll probably take a while before emergency numbers get updated information on all closed stretches. Keep yourself updated.
Fancy a proper blowing snow review from people who've experienced it? Ask a lorry driver. They know that when this warning comes, the only thing to do is sit tight and relax. For the rest of us: stay home, light a candle, and enjoy a good glass of something. The mountains can wait until Saturday.