Storm "Amy" Hits Bærum: How to Prepare for Extreme Weather

Published: 4 October 2025
By: No Signal Norway

Storm "Amy" is now moving across southern Norway with strong winds, heavy rain and a significant risk of power cuts. Although western Norway is seeing the most extreme conditions, eastern Norway, including Bærum, is also affected. The Norwegian Meteorological Institute has issued a yellow warning for strong wind and locally heavy rain in the area and is urging people to secure their property and prepare for possible power cuts.

On Friday evening and overnight into Saturday, gusts of up to 33.2 metres per second were measured in Bergen and 39 metres per second on Utsira. In Bærum the wind is expected to strengthen through the night, with gusts of up to 25 metres per second in open areas. This can bring down trees, break branches and block some streets. The local grid operator Hafslund warns of a higher risk of power cuts if lines are hit by falling trees or objects.

More than 12,000 households in southern Norway have already lost power because of the storm, and crews are working continuously on repairs. In Bærum and Asker the situation is stable for now, but the municipality is urging residents to be cautious. Haslum, Jar, Bekkestua and Høvik have dense vegetation and may be more exposed to local outages.

Traffic may also be affected. Ruter reports that some bus and metro lines may face delays if branches or objects end up on the lines. Trains and roads may also be affected during periods of strong wind and heavy rain. Travellers should follow updates in the Ruter app and keep up to date with national traffic reports.

To reduce the risk of damage to property and stay comfortable during any power cut, preparedness experts recommend a few simple steps. Close and lock all windows, balcony doors and roof hatches. Remove or secure loose items on balconies, terraces and in gardens, such as chairs, parasols and pots. Make sure your car isn't parked under large trees or near poles. Charge phones, tablets and power banks before the night, and keep a flashlight and spare batteries within easy reach. If the power goes out, switch off computers, TVs and other electronics to avoid damage when power returns.

It is also wise to have drinking water and simple food available in case the power is out for a long time. For families with children, it helps to explain the situation calmly and prepare a few activities that don't need electricity.

Varsom.no and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute remind people that extreme weather like Amy can cause local flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage. Residents in low-lying parts of Bærum should pay extra attention, avoid basements during heavy rain and never try to drive through water covering the road.

To stay up to date, use official channels. Yr.no provides continuous forecasts and updates from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Varsom.no has weather, flood and landslide warnings. Hafslund shows current power cuts and expected repair times, and Ruter.no provides real-time travel information.

Storm "Amy" is a reminder of how vulnerable society can be when the forces of nature strike. Modern urban areas depend on electricity, mobile networks and digital services, and small disruptions can create big challenges in everyday life. That's why preparedness isn't about fear, it's about control. A home with secure windows, a charged phone and a clear plan gives you peace of mind when the weather turns unpredictable.

No Signal Norway encourages everyone in Bærum to use this weekend as a chance to review their own preparedness. Think about what you need if the power goes out for a few hours, how you will stay warm, how you will get information and how you can help neighbours who need support.

For more advice and simple methods for urban preparedness, visit nosignaltheguide.com. You'll find practical guides and checklists for city and home, designed to give you peace of mind in a time of increasingly extreme weather and rapid change. Get your own preparedness plan and be ready before you need it.