Event:
The Keflavik International Airport has limited flight operations primarily because of staff’s limited ability to reach the airport due to local weather conditions. The closure of Highway 41 between Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport because of high winds and deep snow drifts has stranded passengers at the airport and in the Keflavik city area. The Icelandic Meteorological Office has issued wind warnings continuing until 10 p.m. Tuesday, December 20 around the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, though highway authorities plan to re-open the road this afternoon. Area hotels are reported full, and airport services are reportedly limited. However, IcelandAir will reportedly fly the most vulnerable passengers, including families with young children, to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to allow passengers to reach city hotels with availability.
The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the Keflavik Sports Center, Sunnubraut 34, and reported space available on Tuesday. However, passengers must arrange their own transportation to reach the shelter. A local taxi strike is also impacting local transport options.
Actions to Take:
· Follow the latest alerts on https://safetravel.is/, https://www.road.is/, and https://en.vedur.is/.
· Follow recommendations by Icelandic Police, Icelandic Civil Defense, and other authorities. (Icelandic Civil Defense: https://www.facebook.com/Almannavarnir/ and https://www.almannavarnir.is )
· Monitor local media outlets for updates (including online English language news outlet RUV https://www.ruv.is/english and https://www.facebook.com/ruvenglish, and https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/)
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Reykjavik, Iceland
+354-595-2248 (emergencies and after hours)
· State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
· Iceland Country Information [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html]
· Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates: https://step.state.gov/step/
