Thursday's severe weather to affect Reykjavík City services

Capital Area Emergency Management strongly urges residents to stay home as severe weather moves through the region tomorrow, Thursday, March 26. An orange weather warning is in effect from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing heavy precipitation and poor visibility.

All available winter maintenance crews will report for duty tonight as soon as the snow starts falling, which forecasts predict around 5 a.m. Emergency officials expect conditions to improve shortly after noon and advise everyone to postpone travel until then. Staying off the roads gives our crews a better chance to clear the snow, as stuck vehicles make plowing nearly impossible.

Check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and Icelandic Meteorological Office websites for current road conditions and weather updates.

Expect some disruptions to Reykjavík City services while the worst of the storm passes and the warning remains active. Staff will prioritize maintaining essential services for vulnerable populations.

The Reykjavík City Service Center will operate during its regular hours and remains available via phone or online chat.

Schools and after-school programs 

Expect significant disruptions to school operations. Primary schools and preschools will run on a minimal schedule with limited staff. Parents or guardians who must bring their children to campus should email school administrators in advance.

Regular preschool and after-school programs will resume as soon as the weather warning lifts. We encourage residents to monitor local media for further updates.

Welfare service 

Home care services – Reykjavík City home care services may experience delays. Staff will prioritize these services based on client need.

Social activities – Dept. of Welfare community centers will open, but some scheduled programs may face cancellations.

Food service – Home meal deliveries remain unaffected, since drivers only drop off food on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Community centers will maintain their meal services wherever possible.

Homelessness services – The three emergency shelters for homeless people will waive their usual 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. closures, allowing guests to stay indoors all day.

Disability services – Transportation for disabled people will operate at a minimum, causing significant disruptions to related programs while the weather warning stays active.

Other workplaces – All other Dept. of Welfare facilities will operate normally. Reykjavík City centers will open, but we strongly urge residents to call rather than visit in person today. You can reach us at 411 1111.

Department of Culture & Sport 

Museums and cultural venues – The City's museums and cultural venues, including libraries, art museums, city history museums, and the Reykjavík Family Park & Zoo, plan to open Thursday as soon as the weather warning expires.

Swimming pools and geothermal beach– Reykjavík City swimming pools will remain closed for the duration of the orange weather warning.