Storm Jakob sweeps across Norway

LONDON

Storm Jakob struck western Norway on Thursday, prompting several red warnings for flooding and landslides, according to local media.

Extreme weather alerts have been issued in parts of More og Romsdal, Vestland, and Rogaland, local media outlet VG reported.

In the past 24 hours, over 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) of rain fell in several areas of western Norway, with more than 3 inches recorded at Gullfjellet in Bergen.

“It is only the beginning; this will continue. There will be more rain during the day and evening today. It will probably be more intense in many places,” on-call meteorologist Marit Berger told the news agency NTB.

In Bergen, the rescue service has run out of sandbags, prompting a request for military assistance. Police in Vestland, the region that includes Bergen, have advised residents to stay indoors unless necessary.

It is expected to rain up to 8 inches in the Vestland area alone.

Due to the severe weather, multiple train departures have been canceled, and several county roads have been closed, according to national broadcaster NRK.

A road east of Bergen was closed after a rockslide, though no other storm-related damage has been reported.

Forecasts indicate that the red warnings will remain in effect overnight and into Friday.

Separately, around 158 people were killed following flash floods in parts of Spain on Wednesday, with the death toll expected to rise amid concerns over preparedness.