Updated 17:14 | Published at 5:08 p.m
Storm Hans could be the strongest in Norway in 25 years.
A red warning has been issued for torrential rain, floods and landslides in several places.
– Could be the worst storm in living memory, says meteorologist Isak Slettebø to VG.
The Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Water and Energy Authority NVE have issued a red warning for parts of southern Norway ahead of this week’s storm. The warning will apply from Monday morning to Tuesday evening.
“80-100 millimeters of rain is expected over a 24-hour period. In several places, the storm will be among the strongest in the last 25 years,” writes Norwegian YR twitter.
– It is a very serious situation, says NVE’s hydrologist Trine Heggdal NRK.
According to local authorities, a crisis team has been appointed.
There is danger to life
The red warning expresses that there may be danger to life. Above all, she sees the danger to life in landslides, which can be difficult to predict.
“There is a high risk of death and the storm could lead to major damage to buildings and infrastructure,” reads the issued the warning.
– Only in very rare cases can extreme weather become so dangerous that life is in danger. Especially if communities do not prepare, says state meteorologist Pernille Borander to VG.
– Above all, the danger to life has to do with unpredictable landslides, she continues.
Storm Hans is expected to lead to floods and landslides. The precipitation can hit buildings, roads or railways and cause limited access.
Both red and orange warnings have been issued for landslide and flood risk in parts of southern Norway.
Even the Oslo police issue a warning to residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
“In connection with the expected rain, the public is asked to evaluate the necessity of one’s journey”, writes the Oslo Police on twitter.
Urges people to prepare
The red warning means that the situation is extreme and is rarely issued, according to NRK. The storm that is expected to move in during Sunday evening from Sweden is expected to have extreme consequences.
The red warning applies to eastern Norway, north of Oslo and the eastern parts of old Sogn and Fjordane, Møre and Romsdal, as well as southern Trøndelag. The whole area will be affected by large water flows and torrential rain will move in over some parts.
Meterologist Isak Slettebø tells VG that it is the first time in a long time that a red warning has been issued for a specific event of precipitation.
– We can expect rainfall in areas that do not resemble anything in the last 20-30 years. Possibly longer than that, says meterologist Isak Slettebø to VG.
The moist air will stay over the area for two days, according to Slettebø.
– This means that the storm could be the worst in living memory.
Meteorologist Pernille Borander urges people living in the affected areas to prepare.
– The most important thing you can do is follow the advice. One has the day to prepare to