Warnings for a storm and a volcanic eruption may affect flights.
Europe is facing two major potential travel disruptions this week. A storm warning was issued in Ireland and the U.K.; meanwhile, there’s concern in Iceland over the potential for a volcanic eruption. Both events could cause travel havoc–so if you have any plans to fly to Europe this week, make sure to monitor the status of your flights.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Iceland
On November 10, Iceland declared a state of emergency over the potential of a volcanic eruption.
Since October 24, thousands of earthquakes and seismic events have been observed on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Experts say that the Fagradalsfjall volcano is close to eruption. A nine-mile underground magma river is moving closer to the earth’s surface–the town of Grindavik, which has seen cracks on its roads, sits directly above. The city’s 4,000 residents have already been evacuated.
The capital city of Reykjavik is 25 miles away from the peninsula. The Keflavik International Airport is still operating as usual, but the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa closed on Thursday as a precaution.
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Travelers may be impacted if the eruption. Volcanic ash that spreads in the air can cause engine failure to planes, and is also toxic should you inhale it. In 2010, a volcanic eruption on Iceland produced an ash cloud and mineral ash rose 20,000-35,000 feet into the air, effectively shutting down the airspace. Most of northern Europe’s airspace was closed, causing the biggest disruption since 9/11. Around 100,000 flights were canceled, affecting two million passengers and causing 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion euros in losses.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said that the situation is different from the 2010 eruption and it is likely that it won’t have as severe an impact on air travel. However, travelers should monitor the situation closely. “Although it does not appear that this volcano will have as major an impact on air travel across Europe as we saw back in 2010, any volcanic ash sent into the atmosphere can result in portions of air space being closed.”
Home to 32 active volcanoes, Iceland has high volcanic activity. The country sits on the Mid Atlantic Ridge, which is a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. These plates are moving apart by a few centimeters every year, and the continental rift causes magma to breach the surface.
The geological features of the country are responsible for its popularity as a tourist destination. Geothermal spas, black sand beaches, and volcanic eruptions bring people to the country in spades.
There is no advisory to stay out of Iceland right now but if you are planning a trip to Iceland this month, make sure to avoid the Reykjanes Peninsula and pay close attention to local warnings.
Storm Debi in the U.K. and Ireland
The volcano warnings come amid the development of Storm Debi, which hit Ireland with wind gusts topping 70mph. Warnings followed for the U.K. as the storm moved across the Irish Sea and into the North Sea. In Wales, winds of 77mph were recorded.
The U.K.’s Met Office announced multiple warnings on its website yesterday: two amber warnings for Northern Ireland and northwest England, and yellow warnings for northern England, parts of Wales, and Northern Ireland. “Within the warning areas the strongest winds are expected to reach 75mph, or even 80mph, in exposed coastal locations [Monday], while inland areas are expected to see gusts of 60-65mph.”
Yellow warnings are issued for low-level impacts and some disruptions, but amber warnings mean that there is an increased likelihood of disruptions, rail and road closures, and possibility of risk to life and property.
British Airways canceled more than 50 flights for London Heathrow, and Ireland has also seen major flight disruptions. Scotland rail was affected due to flooding. In Ireland, 100,000 homes have lost electricity. The Met Office warned the public of flying debris, and high waves; a woman in Ireland was hit by flying debris and taken to the hospital.