Severe damage reported on ring road at Mývatnsöræfi after powerful storm

Severe damage has occurred on the ring road at Mývatnsöræfi due to a powerful storm yesterday. The road was significantly affected, with surface materials being stripped away in several areas along a 10 to 15-kilometer stretch. Repairs may take a few days, and motorists are urged to exercise caution.

The road connecting Mývatns- and Möðrudalsöræfi was closed due to high winds and sandstorms, leading to parts of the road surface being peeled away. Wind speeds reached 37 meters per second at Biskupsháls. Officials reported more extensive damage than anticipated, with nearly complete loss of surface material over stretches as long as 50 meters in certain areas.

Heavy sandstorms swept through Mývatnsöræfi around midday yesterday. Equipment is on its way to remove loose materials from the road, and warning signs are being installed at damaged spots. Motorists are advised to drive carefully as fast speeds may pose safety risks. Complete repairs are expected to take until next week.

There have been no reports of damage to vehicles due to the sandstorms, as the road had been closed when the worst of the weather hit. However, two campers were blown off the road during the storm. Officials expressed that this situation represents one of the worst storm-related damages they have encountered, comparing the extent of destruction to an airplane crash in terms of the devastation observed.