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Storm surge and flooding in Halvik
Situation update no. 5 · Published · Next update by 16:00
Red warning: storm surge
The sea level at Old Harbour is expected to peak at 2.1 metres above mean sea level at around 18:00 today. Low-lying parts of Old Harbour, Saltmarsh and Lindholm Island are at high risk of flooding.
Evacuation
Residents of Saltmarsh living south of Ferry Street must leave their homes by 16:00. An evacuation centre is open at Northgate School, 12 Linden Avenue. Buses to the centre leave from Saltmarsh Square every 20 minutes.
New at 15:05: The evacuation order is extended to Old Harbour. Residents of Old Harbour living below Harbour Street must leave their homes by 17:00. A second evacuation centre is open at Lindenhall Sports Centre.
Road and transport closures
- Harbour Bridge has been closed to all traffic as a precaution since 13:30. The bridge is not damaged.
- Coast Road is closed between the ferry terminal and Lindholm roundabout.
- Ferry services to Lindholm Island are suspended until further notice.
- Tram line 4 is running only between Northgate and Market Square.
- Pier Street is closed to all traffic because of flooding.
What to do
- Stay away from the shoreline, the piers and Harbour Bridge.
- Do not drive or walk through flood water.
- If you live in Old Harbour or on Lindholm Island, move medicines and important documents to an upper floor and be ready to leave at short notice.
- Follow updates on this page. Do not rely on unverified social media posts.
Not true
- Reports that Harbour Bridge has collapsed are false. The bridge is closed as a precaution and is undamaged.
- No all-clear has been given. Do not return to evacuated areas until Halvik Rescue Services announces that it is safe.
- Halvik Rescue Services never sends alerts with links asking for personal or payment details. The website "halvik-rescue-alerts" is not ours.
- Claims that all of Halvik will be evacuated tonight are false. Only the areas listed above are being evacuated.
- Reports that the water in Old Harbour is going down are not correct. The sea level is still rising and will peak at around 18:00.
Earlier updates
- 15:05 Evacuation extended to Old Harbour below Harbour Street.
- 13:30 Harbour Bridge closed to traffic as a precaution.
- 12:45 Storm surge warning raised from orange to red.
- 11:10 Orange warning issued: storm surge expected this evening.