Caravans warned off Icelandic mountain passes due to severe winds

Drivers towing caravans are strongly advised against using the Holtavörðuheiði and Laxárdalsheiði mountain passes amidst the ongoing strong winds. Marcell de Vries, a meteorologist at the Icelandic Met Office, emphasized that caravan owners must assess conditions before setting off.

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Don't do it. One doesn't need to think about it.

The Holtavörðuheiði pass was temporarily closed earlier today but has since reopened. However, conditions remain hazardous. A yellow weather warning is active for the Westfjords, North Iceland, and the highlands. Wind speeds of 25 meters per second were measured at Holtavörðuheiði, with gusts exceeding 30 meters per second on both Holtavörðuheiði and Laxárdalsheiði.

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Strong southerly and southwesterly winds are blowing in the northwest of the country, e.g. in northern Snæfellsnes and Ströndum. Also near mountains in the southwest, for example Hellisheiði or near Hafnarfjall, the wind is rather gusty until midnight and could be dangerous for vehicles that are sensitive to wind.

Elsewhere, Hellisheiði pass also faced a closure due to a car with a trailer going off the road near Sandskeið. The Met Office noted that strong southerly and southwesterly winds are affecting the northwest part of the country and can be gusty near mountains in the southwest, such as Hellisheiði, posing risks to vehicles sensitive to wind. Travelers are urged to check conditions before departing.

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It is very windy in the West and North of Iceland and the wind can be dangerous for vehicles and caravans that are sensitive to wind. Travelers are asked to check conditions before they set off.