Norwegian water and energy officials stand by their flood warnings despite less rainfall than predicted. The warnings covered southern and eastern Norway throughout Friday.
Ivar Berthling, section leader at the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, said the warnings were appropriate. He told reporters it's better to issue warnings that prove unnecessary than to miss a real emergency.
Weather services predicted 50-70 millimeters of rain within 24 hours for some areas. Actual rainfall reached about 40 millimeters at most, according to meteorologist Eldbjørg Moxnes.
Despite the lower rainfall, several areas experienced flooding consequences. Oslo, Drammen and lower parts of Buskerud county maintained flood warnings through Saturday.
Some waterways reached orange alert levels, indicating moderate danger. The Leirsund bridge in Lillestrøm municipality closed in both directions due to high water levels.
Traffic operator Turid Nyman said the bridge closure duration remains uncertain as water levels continue rising. Detours are clearly marked for drivers.
National Highway 163 at Robsrud in Lørenskog municipality reopened Saturday morning. It had been closed since Friday evening due to flooding.
Norwegian authorities face the constant challenge of balancing public safety against potential over-warning. Their conservative approach reflects the serious consequences that missed flood warnings could bring to mountainous regions.