The residents of Horten can expect a rough day after the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) published an orange warning for landslides and floods that covers the municipality.
Heavy rainfall increases risk of avalanches and floods
The warning is at the orange level, which is the second highest on the danger warning scale, and is due to heavy rainfall expected over the weekend. According to the NVE, heavy rain and locally heavy rain showers are expected from Saturday afternoon. The risk of landslides and floods is expected to increase on Saturday afternoon and only decrease on Sunday evening. Among the areas covered by the yellow danger warning for heavy rain are parts of Nykirke, including Kopstad, and parts of Skoppum, where locally between 40 and 60 millimeters of precipitation may occur within 12 hours.
Small storm and gusts of wind
At the same time, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute has issued a yellow warning for strong wind gusts in parts of Eastern Norway. Local wind gusts of between 20 and 28 meters per second are expected from the southeast, as well as a small storm along the coast. For Horten, the wind warning applies from Sunday at 03:00 to 10:00. Strong wind gusts can cause trees to break and end up in the roadway, which in turn can lead to closed roads, traffic problems, power outages and cancellations of boat departures and other transport. People are encouraged to secure loose objects and avoid unnecessary travel in exposed areas.
High water levels along the coast
The southerly wind will push water into the Oslofjord, and on Monday night the water level in Horten is estimated to be 136 centimeters above sea level. No separate warning has yet been issued for high water levels. NVE specifically warns against staying near steep slopes, streams and rivers with high water flow, and asks people to ensure that culverts, basins and other waterways are kept free of gravel, garbage, twigs and leaves.
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