A sudden and unexpected weather phenomenon caused significant traffic disruptions on a major highway in Norway on Sunday, February 15, 2026, leaving drivers scrambling to clear their windshields in frigid temperatures. The unusual conditions, described as “strange” by those affected, led to multiple vehicles stopping along the E6 highway, creating a hazardous situation for travelers.
The issues began between Gardermoen and Lillestrøm, where visibility rapidly decreased due to a combination of moisture and sub-freezing temperatures. “It froze, and you couldn’t see anything,” said one driver, Eidmante Gudeleviciute, who was traveling to her cabin with her family. “We turned the heat on full blast, but it just kept freezing.” Several motorists initially suspected a problem with their own vehicles before realizing the widespread nature of the issue.
Approximately ten cars were forced to pull over to the shoulder to scrape ice from their windshields in temperatures reaching minus 13 degrees Celsius (approximately 9 degrees Fahrenheit). Gudeleviciute added, “I’ve never seen so many people stopped on the side of the road.” The incident prompted a warning from meteorologists about slick road conditions across much of eastern Norway, particularly for those traveling to cabins for the winter holiday.
According to statsmeteorologist Pernille Borander, the conditions were caused by a combination of southerly winds, cloud cover, and precipitation at below-freezing temperatures. “Our models weren’t prepared for that much wet precipitation,” Borander explained. The precipitation fell as a mix of snow, sleet, and rain, instantly freezing upon contact with the cold ground and windshields. NRK has more on the story.
Local news outlet Romerikes Blad also reported on the disruptions, and a separate incident led to the E6 being closed in the southbound direction following a fatal accident. Romerikes Blad’s Facebook page has details on the closure. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and allow extra travel time due to the hazardous conditions. Romerikes Blad and VG have additional reporting on the traffic issues.
