Eastern Norway faces treacherous driving conditions as rain falls on frozen roads. Traffic officials report vehicles sliding slowly but steadily into ditches across multiple highways. The situation is particularly severe in the Innlandet region, including areas around Elverum, Hamar, and Gjøvik.
Road maintenance crews have deployed both salt and gravel trucks throughout the affected regions. A traffic operations coordinator explained the challenge. "Where traffic volume is low, the salt doesn't maintain effectiveness for long," she said in a statement. "In areas where gravel has been spread, some has been washed away by rainfall."
Multiple vehicles have become stranded along roadsides, including major routes like Highway 3 and Highway 2. Drivers report waiting for road treatment vehicles to reach their locations. Officials strongly advise against unnecessary travel during these conditions.
This situation highlights Norway's ongoing battle with winter road maintenance. The country invests heavily in winter road care, but these conditions demonstrate how quickly weather can overwhelm even prepared systems. The phenomenon of rain on frozen pavement creates particularly dangerous black ice that challenges both drivers and maintenance crews.
For international readers, this demonstrates Norway's extreme winter driving conditions. The country maintains one of Europe's most comprehensive winter road maintenance systems, yet nature still creates unpredictable hazards. Travelers should understand that Norwegian winters require serious preparation and flexibility.
Road authorities offer clear advice to those who must travel. "This is not the night to drive out with half a tank, whether fuel or electric charge," the coordinator emphasized. "Ensure you have a full tank and, not least, warm clothing in your vehicle."
The current conditions reflect a broader pattern of challenging winter weather across Scandinavia this season. Similar incidents have occurred in Sweden and Finland, where fluctuating temperatures create unpredictable road surfaces. These conditions typically persist through the winter months, requiring constant vigilance from both authorities and drivers.
What happens next depends on temperature changes and continued road treatment efforts. Crews work around the clock, but motorists should monitor official travel advice and consider postponing non-essential journeys until conditions improve.