High winds and accident cause holiday travel disruptions in Iceland

Staff at Staðarskáli in Hrútarfjörður faced a demanding holiday weekend as travelers returned home, creating a constant stream of activity. Jóna Gunnarsdóttir, a shift supervisor at the service station, reported a steady flow of customers, particularly around midday.

The situation was compounded by a temporary closure of the Holtavörðuheiði mountain pass due to an accident and severe weather. A yellow weather warning had been in effect for the area, citing strong winds. This closure forced many travelers to seek alternative routes, adding to the congestion at Staðarskáli as people decided whether to wait or take a detour.

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It's been quite a lot of pressure this weekend. The pass got blocked and was closed for a while today, and we felt it as people stopped to decide whether to wait or go the other way. It's been unusually busy with dense and constant traffic.

"It's been quite a lot of pressure this weekend," Jóna told mbl.is. "The pass got blocked and was closed for a while today, and we felt it as people stopped to decide whether to wait or go the other way. It's been unusually busy with dense and constant traffic."

While the pass was closed, drivers with caravans opted to wait out the severe winds, which gusted over 30 meters per second at midday. Others chose the longer route via Laxárdalsheiði and Bröttubrekka, where winds were less intense. Despite the midday rush, the service station experienced a calmer atmosphere by evening.

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It was extremely windy at midday on the pass, with gusts over 30 meters per second. People waited here with their caravans, waiting out the wind, while others perhaps took Laxárdalsheiði where there was less wind. There were a lot of people traveling, so I don't know everyone's route.