Flood Warning Issued for Northern and Eastern Norway Due to Rain and Snowmelt

NVE warns of flood danger at yellow and orange levels in several places in northern Norway and in eastern Norway in the coming days as a result of rain and snowmelt.

Precipitation, persistent snowmelt and rise in temperature lead to an increased risk of flooding in several places, writes Norway’s Directorate of Water Resources and Energy (NVE) in a press release. The danger is greatest in Northern Norway and Eastern Norway.

The flood warning for the Alta river below Altadammen in Indre Finnmark has been upgraded to an orange level. NVE expects that the snow melt will mean that the water flow remains at the same level throughout Sunday and Monday morning. Flood risk between the 5- and 50-year level has been issued. NVE has also issued a new flood warning at yellow level for the coastal areas from Lofoten to Tromsø as a result of rain and heavy snowmelt.

Orange level

In Eastern Norway, the flood risk will also be adjusted upwards in the coming days. In Sperillen and Drammenselva at Mjøndalen bridge, the flood has reached yellow level. The water flow in several rivers and lakes will be able to reach yellow and orange levels at the start of the week.

– We have now sent out a notice of orange level for Krøderen which applies from Tuesday, says flood watcher Sjur Kolberg in NVE.

– The water flow in the Trysilelva is already at the yellow level and is expected to reach the orange level during Monday as a result of strong snowmelt over the weekend and some rain on Monday, says Kolberg

The situation is very sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall.

Landslides and floods

The water flow has risen in both Glomma and Øyeren, and a yellow danger warning has been issued for both places. Rain during Monday and Tuesday could lead to further increases. In Glomma south of Vormsund, the river is expected to reach yellow level early this week. NVE has issued a yellow level flood warning that applies to the municipalities along the southernmost part of both Glomma and Øyeren.

– In addition, a lot of rain is expected locally, which will increase the risk of landslides, mudslides and floods. It is in valley areas where there is still a lot of snow on the mountains that are most at risk, says landslide watcher Per Glad in NVE.