Storm Boelo has triggered widespread disruption across southern Norway, forcing the closure of the E6 highway near Biri due to flooding and halting ferries operated by Color Line, while vg.no reported that over 1,000 passengers are affected by canceled crossings between Norway and Denmark as the severe weather delivers heavy rain and strong winds.
E6 Highway Closed at Biri Until Monday Morning
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration closed the E6 in both directions between Lillehammer and Biri after water accumulated rapidly across the roadway Sunday afternoon. Traffic operator Gunnar Dovland told Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen that motorists should use the eastern detour via county road 213 around Moelv. Traffic operator Barbo Evensen Venhagen stated that the flooding stems from a combination of heavy precipitation, ongoing roadwork, and high water pressure. The Vegtrafikksentralen expects the vital commuter and holiday route to remain shut until 7:00 am Monday. Three mountain crossings in Gudbrandsdalen—Sognefjellet, Valdresflye, and Friisvegen—are also closed because of the severe weather.
Color Line Cancels Crossings and Strands Passengers
Color Line suspended multiple passenger sailings between Norway and Denmark, alongside routes connecting Sandefjord and Strömstad in Sweden, as storm conditions battered regional ports. Nettavisen and Østlands-Posten reported that Erik Brynhildsbakken of Color Line confirmed 1,000 travelers are impacted by the Norway-Denmark cancellations running through Monday afternoon. Sunday sailings between Sandefjord and Strömstad left 2,000 additional passengers stranded before services resumed later in the day. Ferries on the Oslo-Kiel route continue running normally because they operate out of sheltered harbors.
Orange Weather Warnings and Rising Water Levels
Statsmeteorolog Sigrid Marie Vildskog Auganæs warned residents against traveling to coastal areas to watch high waves because water can surge much further inland than expected. Meanwhile, Gjensidige has registered 75 property damage claims by Sunday, with Vestland county recording the heaviest impact from fallen trees and rising water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Boelo
When is the E6 expected to reopen near Biri?
Statens vegvesen anticipates that the flooded section of the E6 between Lillehammer and Biri will remain closed until 7:00 a.m. on Monday.
Which Color Line ferry routes are canceled?
Color Line suspended crossings between Norway and Denmark until Monday afternoon, while earlier sailings between Sandefjord and Strömstad were canceled through Sunday afternoon.
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