Storm Amy Leaves Thousands Without Power in Norway
Southern Norway continues cleanup after storm Amy left thousands without power. Officials warn downed power lines pose life-threatening dangers as damage estimates exceed $47 million. Insurance claims are expected to rise in coming days.
Cleanup efforts continue across southern Norway after severe storm Amy struck over the weekend. About 1,000 Lede customers in Vestfold and Telemark counties remain without electricity on Wednesday morning. Officials warn of one particularly dangerous hazard.
Communications chief Thor Bjørn Omnes from energy company Lede expressed shock at the damage. He stated he had never seen anything like this in his career.
One technician working in Bamble described the destruction. He said it looked worse than if someone had blown up the power grid with dynamite.
The company continues receiving reports of downed power lines lying on the ground. These lines may still be live and extremely dangerous to touch.
Omnes called this situation their worst nightmare. He warned these downed wires could be potentially fatal to both people and animals.
Fallen trees have broken numerous power poles and torn down electrical lines. Officials estimate approximately 150 such incidents in Vestfold and Telemark alone.
Omnes has clear advice for anyone encountering downed power lines. Stay away and report them immediately to authorities.
Lede has brought in additional crews from other energy companies with available resources. Many other grid companies face similar challenges throughout the region.
Over the weekend, 20,000 Lede customers lost power. That number has now dropped to 1,000. Crews work as long as daylight allows, but progress remains slower than hoped.
At the storm's peak, Norway's energy regulator reported 155,000 customers without electricity nationwide.
Major insurance companies had received nearly 8,300 damage claims by Monday afternoon. Early estimates suggest storm Amy caused damages exceeding 500 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $47 million).
All insurance companies expect claim numbers to rise in coming days.
This severe weather event highlights Norway's vulnerability to extreme storms despite its modern infrastructure. The extensive damage shows how quickly nature can disrupt essential services, leaving communities struggling for days.