Norway avoided the severe flooding meteorologists predicted this weekend. Heavy rainfall warnings prompted emergency meetings across eastern regions. Officials had pressed what they called the big red button for weather alerts.
Between 50 and 70 millimeters of rain was forecast for parts of Eastern Norway. Authorities issued flood, landslide, and heavy rain warnings. Police begged residents to exercise extreme caution.
More than 24 hours later, the conclusion is clear. The rainfall proved less severe than feared. Meteorologists recorded only 30 to 40 millimeters in affected areas.
The duty meteorologist at the Meteorological Institute acknowledged the relief. "The precipitation didn't match our fears," she told reporters. "We got somewhat less than what was warned."
Rain danger warnings have been lifted across most regions. Still, the meteorologist noted the narrow escape. "It could have gone worse. It's not easy to say why rainfall values didn't match our fears. There are small nuances here and this time it didn't quite materialize."
Despite the reprieve, dangers persist. Eastern Norway considers anything over 20 millimeters in 24 hours as heavy rainfall. Yellow flood warnings remain for parts of the region.
Water levels will continue rising in small and medium-sized waterways through Friday and Saturday morning. Areas that received heavy rain earlier this week face particular risk. Some local waterways might reach orange danger levels.
Several roads in Romerike, Akershus county, have closed due to flooding. National Road 163 from Lørenskog to Luhtoppen shut down Friday evening. High water levels also closed Leirsund Bridge Saturday morning.
Traffic operators cannot predict when roads will reopen. "We don't know how long it will be closed," one official said. "The water is still rising at the location."
During the 2023 extreme weather event "Hans," parts of Leirsund were evacuated due to flooding. The dramatic rainfall amounts have now passed for this weather system.
Saturday's weather will feature showers nationwide. Parts of Northern Norway will see sleet or snow instead of rain. Møre and Romsdal county forms the exception with mostly dry conditions.
Southern Norway will reach highs of 14 degrees Celsius. "It will be a gray weather type," the meteorologist summarized.
Sunday brings similar conditions. Eastern Norway will get dry weather while the rest of the country endures occasional showers. Northern regions will turn milder with precipitation changing to rain.
The situation shows how weather predictions remain challenging despite advanced technology. Officials clearly erred on the side of caution, which proved wise given the potential consequences.