Storm Update: Flooded Homes, Fallen Trees, Downed Power

While the extratropical cyclone which rolled over South Iceland today has now moved its way north, the region is now picking up the pieces and still trying to put things back in order.

Grapevine reader and Reykjavík resident Kelea Quinn sent us the above photograph earlier today of what is left of a tree, planted in 1940 by the homeowners’ mum and aunt. The tree fell just short of a car but did not damage it, although the fence it fell upon will need to be repaired. Kelea also tells us that had it fallen in the other direction, it would have blocked Egilsgata. Alert city workers soon arrived with chainsaws to clear the debris.

RÚV reports that in Garður, a village located on the very western tip of Suðurnes, flooding was especially bad. A mother and daughter needed to call the rescue squad to get out of their home after it began to fill with water, and the wind was so strong that two grown men needed to use all their strength to open the door. Fortunately, everyone was rescued unharmed, including the family cat.

There have been numerous power outages across the country, Iceland State Electricity (RARIK) reports, and RARIK workers have been labouring diligently to restore power to homes across the country.

The remainder of the cyclone is expected to make its way through the north tonight, likely petering out in the early morning hours. While international flights in and out of Keflavík will soon return to normal, readers are strongly advised to avoid road travel until tomorrow morning.