Sand & Ash Storms in Iceland | 2025 Driving & Insurance Guide

Last updated: October 2025

Iceland’s wind can be fierce, but when it blows across volcanic deserts, it becomes something far more dangerous — sand and ash storms.
These storms can appear suddenly, scratch your rental car, and even damage glass or paint within minutes.
Here’s what every driver needs to know before hitting Iceland’s south coast and highland roads.

Key Facts About Sand and Ash Storms in Iceland

Sand and ash storms are most common in South Iceland — especially near Vík, Mýrdalssandur, and Skeiðarársandur.
They occur when strong winds lift volcanic ash and fine sand into the air, reducing visibility and causing abrasion damage.
Typical trigger: wind gusts above 15–20 m/s (54–72 km/h) on dry days.
Storms are most likely in spring and autumn, during dry and windy weather.
Damage from these storms can void standard car insurance unless sand & ash protection is purchased.
Check Vedur.is for wind alerts and Road.is for travel warnings before driving in South Iceland.
If a storm is forecast, delay your trip — the risk is not worth it.

Q: What Causes Sand and Ash Storms in Iceland?

Sand and ash storms occur when strong winds blow over dry volcanic deserts or glacial outwash plains.
These surfaces are covered in fine black sand and volcanic ash left behind by eruptions and floods.

Common trigger zones include:

Mýrdalssandur (south of Katla volcano)
Skeiðarársandur (near Vatnajökull glacier)
Mælifellssandur and Sprengisandur (highlands)
Öræfi and Vík area

After several dry days, even moderate wind can lift ash into the air, creating clouds that limit visibility and can last for hours.

Q: When Are Sand and Ash Storms Most Likely?

These storms happen mainly:

March–May (after snowmelt, before summer rain stabilises the soil)
September–November (autumn winds and dry plains)

They’re more frequent when:

Temperatures are mild and dry
Winds exceed 15 m/s
Ground is loose and not covered by vegetation or snow

During summer, the risk is lower, but strong gusts can still raise sand along the Ring Road in South Iceland.

Q: How Do Sand and Ash Storms Damage Cars?

Flying volcanic particles can cause severe wear on car surfaces.
Damage often includes:

Damage Type	Description	Repair Cost (Typical Range)
Paint scratches	Thousands of micro-abrasions on doors and panels	100,000–400,000 ISK
Window & glass etching	Sand impacts cause visible haze on windows	80,000–250,000 ISK
Mirror & headlight wear	Fine dust scours plastic and chrome	50,000–150,000 ISK
Air filter clogging	Ash particles reduce engine airflow	Service check required
Interior dust	Dust enters ventilation and seals	Cleaning needed

Even minor storms can leave visible dulling on car surfaces, especially dark-coloured vehicles.

Q: Is Sand and Ash Storm Damage Covered by Insurance?

Not always.
Standard car rental insurance does not cover sand and ash damage unless a specific add-on (Sand and Ash Protection) is purchased.

Coverage Type	Sand/Ash Damage Covered?	Notes
Basic CDW / SCDW	❌ No	External body, paint, and glass damage not included
Gravel Protection	❌ No	Only covers stone chips, not airborne sand
Sand & Ash Protection (SAAP)	✅ Yes	Covers damage to paint, glass, mirrors, and headlights
Zero Excess Packages	⚠️ Partial	May still exclude sandstorm damage if not listed explicitly

If a storm is predicted, adding Sand & Ash Protection can save hundreds of thousands of ISK in repairs.

Q: How Can I Avoid Sand and Ash Storm Damage?

Before You Drive

Check Vedur.is → Wind Forecast Map (avoid red or purple areas).
Avoid driving across exposed plains like Mýrdalssandur or Skeiðarársandur in high winds.
Choose early morning or evening when wind speeds are usually lower.
If wind warnings exceed 18 m/s, delay travel.

While Driving

Slow down and maintain a safe distance.
Close all windows and vents — use air recirculation mode.
Keep headlights on low beam for visibility.
Never open car doors against the wind.
If visibility drops below 50 metres — stop, pull over safely, and wait.

Parking & Overnight Stops

Park behind natural barriers (buildings, cliffs).
Face the car’s rear toward the wind to protect windshield and headlights.
Avoid leaving vehicles near open black sand areas overnight.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Caught in a Sand or Ash Storm?

Find shelter immediately — pull into a service station, parking lot, or leeward side of a hill.
Do not keep driving if visibility is poor — collisions can occur easily.
Close all air vents and keep engine idling only if necessary.
Wait until wind speeds drop or visibility improves before resuming travel.
Report conditions to Road.is or local authorities if roads are blocked or unsafe.

Q: What Should I Do After Exposure to a Sand or Ash Storm?

Rinse the car with water (never wipe the surface before washing).
Avoid automatic brushes — they may worsen scratches.
Clean air filters or have a technician check them.
Take photos of visible damage before washing if you have protection insurance.
Report any visible damage to Thrifty staff when returning the car.

Q: Can Sand and Ash Affect the Engine?

Yes.
Fine volcanic particles can enter air filters or intake systems, especially in older vehicles.
If driving through dusty conditions:

Use recirculation mode inside the cabin.
Do not rev the engine excessively.
After exposure, have the car checked for filter clogging or overheating.

Q: When Should You Not Drive in Iceland Due to Wind?

Avoid driving when Vedur.is forecasts red or purple wind alerts.
In southern Iceland, wind gusts can reach 25–40 m/s (90–145 km/h) — strong enough to flip small cars or break mirrors.
If a storm warning is active for Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, or Höfn, it’s safest to wait.