Norway hit by early snowfall as up to 20 traffic accidents reported
The first snow of the year in parts of southern and eastern Norway on Monday night and early Tuesday resulted in up to 20 traffic accidents in the region, according to police.
Police in Norway’s East District warned motorists not to drive without winter tyres due to the hazardous conditions.
In a tweet, police wrote that “several reports” had been received of accidents, particularly in the Romerike north east of Oslo.
#Øst politidistrikt Politiet får inn flere meldinger om trafikkuhell, da spesielt i Romerike. Politiet anmoder alle om å kjøre etter forholdene, og ta på vinterdekk før du kjører om forholdene der du er krever det.
— Politiet i Øst (@politietost) October 20, 2020
As many as 20 accidents had been reported by 9:30 on Tuesday morning, police operation leader Atle Vesttorp told news wire NTB.
A number of these accidents involved cars sliding into central reservations, emergency lanes and lamp posts.
“In Romerike especially there is snow, and that’s where we’ve had the majority of accidents this morning,” Vesttorp said.
Et skikkelig snøvær har dratt inn over #SørNorge. Følg med på veimeldinger og radaren på yr ?️ Foto: Statens Vegvesen pic.twitter.com/4nYIbrvxb5
— Meteorologene (@Meteorologene) October 20, 2020
No serious injuries have been reported as a result of the road conditions.
But police encouraged drivers yet to change from summer to winter tyres to make the shift or, alternatively, leave their cars at home today.
It is mandatory for tyres with a tread depth of 3mm be used in Norway between November 1st and the Sunday after Easter Monday.
It is also the car owner's responsibility to make sure winter tyres are on the vehicle before winter conditions threaten a driver's safety.
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