Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes and extreme weather. From volcanic eruptions to powerful windstorms, the island has experienced some of the most intense natural events.
These storms have not only shaped the land but also impacted the lives of its people.
What are the 10 biggest storms to ever hit Iceland? This article will explore these monumental weather events, highlighting their magnitude and effects.
Discover the fascinating history and sheer force behind these unforgettable storms.
1. BandÃsfarðir Cyclone
The BandÃsfarðir Cyclone was one of the most powerful storms to hit Iceland. This devastating event occurred in December 1991.
The cyclone brought heavy snowfall and intense winds.
Snowdrifts blocked roads and caused widespread transportation issues. Reykjavik, the capital, experienced significant disruptions.
Winds reached speeds of up to 150 km/h. The storm damaged homes and infrastructure across the country.
Many areas lost power for days.
This storm highlighted the need for better emergency response plans in Iceland. Authorities have since improved systems to handle such severe weather events.
2. Herjólfur Blizzard
The Herjólfur Blizzard struck Iceland in December 2019 with fierce intensity. This blizzard brought winds that reached 149 mph and dumped up to 10 feet of snow in some mountainous regions.
The storm caused significant disruptions and required much of the country to dig out from heavy snow. Reports indicate it was one of the most severe winter storms in recent memory.
Meteorologists described the Herjólfur Blizzard as a 10-year storm, underlining its rarity and the challenge it presented to the residents of Iceland.
3. Öskju Mountain Storm
The Öskju Mountain Storm is remembered as one of Iceland’s most brutal weather events. This storm struck the region near Öskju Mountain with powerful winds and heavy snow.
Eyewitnesses described the storm’s winds as fierce, making travel and outdoor activities nearly impossible.
Snowfall was intense, covering the area with deep, unpassable snow.
During the storm, temperatures dropped sharply.
The harsh weather conditions persisted for days, isolating communities and causing significant disruptions. Roads were blocked and vital services were hard to reach.
Besides the immediate impact, the storm also affected the region’s landscapes.
The heavy snowfall resulted in snowdrifts that significantly changed the area’s topography. The storm left a lasting mark on the memory of those who experienced its severity.
4. Hekla Snowstorm
The Hekla Snowstorm of December was marked by record-breaking snowfall in Iceland. Reykjavik alone saw 42 cm of snow, breaking previous records. This storm affected a large part of the country.
Strong winds and heavy snowfall led to widespread disruptions.
Roads were closed, and many areas experienced power outages.
The snowstorm was severe but did not lead to long-term issues.
Multiple regions, especially around Hekla, faced difficulties.
Emergency services worked round the clock to help people. Visibility was low, making travel dangerous.
5. Reykjanes Peninsula Tornado
In July 2023, the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland experienced a unique event when a tornado formed over the newly erupted Litli-Hrútur volcano. This tornado was captured on video and shared online, drawing attention to the extraordinary combination of volcanic activity and severe weather.
The eruption of Litli-Hrútur began just three weeks prior. The area has become known for its frequent volcanic eruptions due to its geologically active location.
The sudden appearance of a tornado amidst the eruption added a dramatic element to the already volatile landscape.
Litli-Hrútur, often referred to as “Little Ram,” erupted on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which has been experiencing increased volcanic activity in recent years.
The combination of explosive eruptions and tornado formation is rare, making this event particularly noteworthy.
For more information, you can read about the volcanic activity and tornado that characterized this extraordinary natural event.
6. Katla Ice Storm
Katla, a subglacial volcano located in southern Iceland, is known for its eruptions beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The volcano’s ice-covered system can cause severe ice storms when it erupts.
The volcano has an active history with at least twenty major eruptions.
These eruptions can melt large amounts of ice, creating massive floods and intense storms.
Katla’s summit reaches about 4,961 feet above sea level, adding to the severity of the weather conditions.
Storms triggered by Katla can have widespread effects, impacting both local and global weather patterns.
Concerns about the global temperature changes due to these storms highlight the volcano’s significance.
7. Vatnajökull Superstorm
The Vatnajökull Superstorm was an exceptional event that struck Iceland with immense force. Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland, has seen its share of natural phenomena, but this storm was particularly notable.
It occurred in the winter months, bringing severe snowstorms and icy conditions.
Winds reached speeds of over 100 mph.
The storm caused significant challenges, including blocked roads and disrupted transportation.
Despite the harsh conditions, Iceland’s infrastructure held up reasonably well.
This resilience is a testament to the robust engineering and preparedness in the region.
For more about the impact and frequency of such events from Vatnajökull, see details here.
8. Laki Windstorm
The Laki windstorm, tied to the 1783 eruption of the Laki volcano, had severe impacts on Iceland. The eruption itself lasted from June 8, 1783, to February 7, 1784. During this time, toxins were released into the atmosphere, affecting weather patterns.
Strong winds carried volcanic ash and gases across the island. This harsh weather contributed to soil contamination and crop failures.
Over 80% of sheep in Iceland died due to the toxic environment.
The windstorm spread the Laki haze across the northern hemisphere.
This caused respiratory problems and deaths in both Iceland and Europe.
The event, known as the “Haze Famine,” led to the death of about 22% of Iceland’s population.
These harsh conditions devastated Iceland’s economy and agriculture.
9. Eldfell Eruption Storm
The Eldfell eruption in 1973 was a significant event in Iceland. It took place on the island of Heimaey in the Westman Islands. It started on January 23 with almost no warning.
Residents were forced to evacuate as the volcano spewed ash and lava. The eruption created a volcanic cone that rose over 200 meters high.
Strong winds spread ash across the island, damaging homes and infrastructure.
Most of the island’s population was safely evacuated to the mainland.
The eruption lasted for about five months.
Many buildings were buried in ash, but efforts to cool the lava flow with seawater helped save the harbor and some structures.
Today, the island has recovered. However, memories of the eruption and the stormy conditions that accompanied it remain vivid for those who experienced it. Explore more about this event on Perlan.
10. Esja Gale Force Winds
Esja, a volcanic mountain range near ReykjavÃk, is often subjected to strong winds. These winds can reach gale force, especially during winter.
The winds along Esja’s slopes are notable. They can create sudden gusts that affect the surrounding areas, including ReykjavÃk. This makes local weather conditions unpredictable.
Historically, the Esja region has experienced significant windstorms, contributing to its reputation in Icelandic weather lore.
The wind patterns here are influenced by the mountain’s elevation and geography, resulting in intense wind events.
For those visiting or living near Esja, understanding these gale force winds is essential for safety and preparedness.
The winds can impact hiking, driving, and daily life in the area.
Meteorological Factors
Iceland is uniquely affected by various meteorological factors, including specific Atlantic storm patterns and its own climatic influences.
These elements play a crucial role in the intensity and frequency of storms that hit the island.
Atlantic Storm Patterns
The North Atlantic Ocean generates numerous storm systems that impact Iceland. These storms often form along the polar front, where warm and cold air masses collide.
The resulting low-pressure systems can become powerful cyclones as they gain energy from the ocean.
One notable example is the violent storm that hit in 2015, with winds reaching 141 mph, causing vehicles to be blown off roads.
Iceland is situated at the meeting point of these storm tracks, making it prone to severe weather.
The interaction between these air masses creates conditions conducive to frequent and intense storms. Monitoring these patterns helps predict and mitigate the impact on Icelandic communities.
Climatic Influences on Iceland
Iceland’s climate significantly affects its weather patterns. It lies just outside the Arctic Circle, experiencing long, cold winters and mild, short summers.
The country’s geographic location means it is influenced by both Arctic and Atlantic weather systems. The record-breaking waves in 2022 exemplify the power of these combined forces, with waves reaching up to 40 meters.
The temperature variations between the seasons contribute to the formation of storms.
During winter, the colder temperatures lead to stronger pressure differences, which intensify storm systems.
Understanding these climatic influences is key to anticipating severe weather events in Iceland, ensuring preparedness for the challenges posed by its unique environment.
Impact on Icelandic Ecosystem
The intense storms that have hit Iceland have caused significant disruptions to the island’s natural environment. These events have not only affected the local flora and fauna but also induced notable geological changes.
Flora and Fauna Disruption
Storms have a profound impact on Iceland’s flora and fauna.
High winds and heavy rainfall can damage trees and shrubs, stripping them of leaves and branches.
This kind of physical destruction can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Animals, particularly birds, are often displaced by extreme weather.
Nesting sites can be destroyed, and food sources may become scarce. Migratory patterns may shift as a result, impacting the broader ecosystem.
In the wake of storms, the increased runoff can lead to soil erosion. This may wash away nutrients needed by plants, further hindering their growth.
Consequently, the entire food chain can be disrupted, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic species.
Geological Changes
Storms contribute to significant geological changes in Iceland. Heavy precipitation can lead to landslides, particularly in volcanic regions.
These landslides can reshape the landscape, altering valleys and hills.
Additionally, storm-induced flooding can change river paths and expand wetlands.
These alterations may affect habitats and the distribution of plant and animal life.
Coastal erosion is another major concern, as powerful waves and storm surges can erode shorelines, impacting both human settlements and wildlife habitats.
Volcanic activity, such as that seen in the Reykjanes Peninsula, can be exacerbated by storm conditions. Ash and lava flows can merge with stormwater, creating lahars that further alter the terrain.
This dynamic interaction between weather and volcanic processes highlights the complex and interwoven nature of Iceland’s geological landscape.