Powerful Atlantic storm brings high winds and snow threat to Iceland

A rapidly strengthening storm is moving across the North Atlantic towards Iceland.

Forecasters say its central air pressure could fall to about 934 hectopascals, close to or below the October record reported for the island.

Winds could reach 200 km/h, though another forecast describes gusts above 140 km/h over the Atlantic.

Iceland faces strong winds and heavy snow, with forecasts of 20 to 50 centimetres in many areas and as much as three metres in highland locations.

The combination could make roads dangerous, and authorities have issued warnings and advised people not to travel; some sections of the Ring Road have been closed.

The storm’s strongest effects are expected to stay near Iceland, with Germany forecast to avoid the most extreme winds.

The storm could still strengthen westerly airflow over the Atlantic, but the sources give no firm forecast of what that will mean for Germany.