Extreme weather storm Amy caused severe flooding at a car dealership in Holmestrand, Norway over the weekend. The parking lot outside Nordic Bil transformed into a small lake during the worst of the storm. Twenty vehicles ended up completely submerged in water.
Mustafa Sharifi, the dealership's manager, described the ongoing recovery efforts. "We're trying to save the cars and minimize the damage as much as we can," he said in a statement.
By Monday, the water had receded but left behind significant challenges. The vehicles now sit in thick mud with windows and body panels left wide open. Sharifi and his team worked frantically surrounded by torn asphalt and stones carried by floodwaters.
They are racing to salvage inventory worth millions of Norwegian kroner. The dealership faces massive cleanup costs and potential total losses on many vehicles.
This storm damage highlights Norway's vulnerability to extreme weather events. Climate experts warn that such incidents may become more frequent as weather patterns change. The immediate financial impact on local businesses can be devastating, even with Norway's strong insurance systems.
Holmestrand, located about 90 kilometers south of Oslo along the Oslofjord, has experienced flooding before. The town's coastal position makes it particularly susceptible to storm surges combined with heavy rainfall.
Local authorities are assessing damage across the region. Many residents and businesses reported similar flooding issues during the storm's peak on Saturday.