People at Risk

Yesterday, many inhabitants of Reykjavík had difficulty travelling around the city due to its icy conditions. City officials decided to neither put salt nor sand on it, thereby decreasing it, explaining in a written statement to Rúv.is that it would not be sensible. The sand would eventually need to be swept up and the salt should be used sparingly due to its effect on the environment.

Neither the Chairman of the City’s Environment and Transportation Council nor the Chairman of the City Council was available for comment.



The Road Traffic Directorate’s spokesman Einar Magnús Magnússon expressed surprise and concern that no measures had been taken to mitigate the icy conditions, saying that he has never before heard those reasons. Besides, they should not outweigh passenger safety, and in fact it would be absurd to believe that they would do so.

“I must say that we have been quite disappointed regarding the City’s efforts in keeping the roads clear for travelers, especially those who travel on foot. We are very concerned. And the incident yesterday, all I can say is that it was far from being acceptable,” Einar Magnús said. He added that those who are responsible for roads must ensure that people’s safety is as good as it can be and yesterday, that had not been the case.

No weather to explore Iceland.

Heavy and strong wind has brought Iceland to a stand-still. The Ring Road, which leads out of east Reykjavík has been closed since yesterday afternoon, and rescue teams have been helping stranded people who are stuck in their cars along the road.

Snow in Reykjavík. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

All domestic flights has been cancelled today, and bus service to the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west and Akureyri in the north has also been cancelled, according to mbl.is

The police have asked people with smaller vehicles not to use them in the capital area. The streets of Reykjavík are full of snow and ice.

The forecast is not good, predicting heavy snowfall for the next 48 hours, plus wind. No weather to explore Iceland.