Due to severe weather and travel disruptions in Reykjavík Oct. 28
The Metropolitan Public Security Committee issued an urgent advisory earlier today urging people in the capital area to avoid unnecessary travel and to be home by 3 p.m. if possible. Reykjavík City continues to provide and has in some cases increased essential services for vulnerable groups while crews work to keep roads and pathways clear as much as possible. Other services deemed non-essential have been reduced.
Winter service
Reykjavík City winter services staff began snow clearing and deicing operations late Monday evening to clear routes for Strætó Public Transport. Around 4 a.m. early Tuesday, crews began clearing main roads and the pathway system. That work has continued all day as heavy snow has continued to fall.
A notice from the Metropolitan Public Security Committee reiterated the request for drivers with inadequately equipped vehicles to stay off the roads during the severe winter conditions affecting the capital area today. Significant traffic problems have been caused by cars that are not adequately equipped for these conditions. All inadequately equipped vehicles will be removed at owners' expense.
Welfare service
Reykjavík City's home care services have experienced some delays. Continued delays are expected today and services will be prioritized based on urgency.
The two emergency shelters for men will open at 2 p.m. today when the Samhjálp Mutual Assistance coffee lounge closes, instead of the usual 5pm. Konukot – Shelter for Homeless Women opens at 3 p.m. when Skjólið closes. Transportation will be arranged for individuals who request it to go from the Samhjálp Mutual Assistance coffee lounge and Skjólið to emergency shelters.
Arrangements are being made for individuals who attend Smiðjan, Opus and Iðjuberg, which are all work and activity programs run by Reykjavík City, to go home early today. Many of them live in apartment complexes operated by Reykjavík City. Staff at the apartment complexes will come in earlier for evening shifts when possible to respond to the situation.
School service
Parents have been asked to pick up their children from preschools as soon as possible so they can comply with police recommendations that people be home by 3 p.m. today.
Today is the last day of fall break in primary schools and recreation programs are closed for that reason. People are urged to check the news first before sending children to school due to uncertainty about weather and travel conditions.
Swimming pools and museums
All swimming pools, museums and libraries, the geothermal beach and Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo were closed around 1:30 p.m. today, allowing staff and visitors to get home before the worst weather hits the capital area. The botanic garden's display greenhouse and gazebo were closed at 2 p.m. today.
Service Center
The Reykjavík City service center at Borgartún 12-14 closed from 2pm. but people can still call 411-111, use live chat or the feedback website, https://abendingar.reykjavik.is/
Strætó public transport
The Strætó Public Transport route system has experienced disruptions as many buses are stuck due to road conditions and traffic. Service will continue as best as possible with service prioritized on every route.
The Strætó Public Transport service center is open, but the reception desk at Hestháls will close at 2 p.m. According to a notice from the capital area emergency management team, people are urged to head home as soon as possible, as weather and travel conditions will worsen as the day progresses.