Northern Norway Braces for Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Avalanche Risk

Northern Norway is facing a challenging weather situation with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a high risk of avalanches, landslides, and floods. Several ferry and speedboat connections have been canceled as a result of the hazardous conditions.

Weather Warnings and Forecasts

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute reports that Northern Norway will experience significant weather impacts in the coming days. Strong winds, potentially reaching slight storm force on Helgeland and exposed coastal areas, are expected. Up to 50 millimeters of rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, particularly in Nordland county. Kanstadbotn in Lødingen received nearly 64 millimeters of rain in the last 24 hours.

Ferry and Speedboat Cancellations

The following ferry and speedboat routes have been affected by the weather:

• Nesna – Nesna Islands
• Bodø – Gildeskål route 18-445
• Bodø-Røst-Værøy-Moskenes route 18-782
• Jektvik – Kilboghamn route 18-414 (Cancelled due to technical reasons)
• Helgelandspendelen route 18-191
• Lurøy Winter route 18-193
• Sandnessjøen-Herøysteder-Vega route 18-172
• Evenes – Kjeldebotn route 18-615
• Rødøy route 18-411
• Nordlandsekspressen route 23-731
• Nordlandsekspressen 23-755

Avalanche Risk

A red avalanche warning has been issued for Helgeland, Svartisen, Salten, Ofoten, Indre Troms, and Sør-Troms. Authorities warn of naturally triggered landslides in the mountains and advise people to avoid all landslide terrain, including both loosening and discharge areas. An orange danger level is expected for significant avalanche danger in Nord-Troms, Lyngen, Tromsø, Lofoten and Vesterålen, Vest-Finnmark from Thursday.

One person remains missing following a landslide in the Narvik area. An avalanche at Trollfjordvatnet in Hadsel, Vesterålen, recently impacted a group of 13 people, including Hannah Hughes.

Landslide and Flood Risk

Rising temperatures and heavy rainfall have increased the risk of landslides, mudslides, and flash floods in Ofoten and southern parts of Troms. Landslides are most likely in snow-free areas with steep, saturated slopes. The National Roads Administration warns that heavy rain could cause snow and slush avalanches to reach roads in exposed areas.

Tourist Activity Continues

Despite the challenging weather, tourist activity continues in some areas, such as Svolvær.

Published: March 18, 2026, 08:54

Updated: March 18, 2026, 12:51