Norwegian authorities have called emergency meetings as orange flood and landslide warnings take effect. Four municipalities in Eastern Norway face dangerous conditions after heavy rainfall.
The County Governor of Innlandet convened crisis talks on Thursday. Local officials confirm they are implementing preventive measures to protect communities.
Nordre Land's acting municipal director Tom Rune Bratlien said crews are clearing waterways to ensure proper drainage. Municipal director Kai Egil Bachér noted they have extensive experience with such situations and feel well prepared.
Orange-level danger warnings now cover Sør-Aurdal, Etnedal, Nordre Land and Søndre Land municipalities. These are Norway's second-highest alert level, indicating immediate danger.
Operations Manager Frode Øvreås reported up to 70mm of rainfall expected within 24 hours. Ground saturation levels are already extremely high, creating perfect conditions for landslides.
Police issued urgent public safety advice through the official warning service Varsom. They urged people to stay away from steep slopes and avoid streams and rivers with high water flow.
Residents should monitor weather radar updates and stay informed about the developing situation. Authorities expect more precise weather forecasts by Friday morning.
Additional yellow warnings for heavy rain cover parts of Eastern Norway from Thursday night. These alerts warn of difficult driving conditions due to flooding and potential hydroplaning.
From Friday morning, yellow warnings for earth and flood slides take effect. A third yellow warning begins Friday midday as water levels rise in small and medium-sized waterways.
Local authorities have significant experience with flood management, but the combination of saturated ground and continued rainfall creates particularly dangerous conditions this week.