Friday Photo #715 – First Storm

Photo: Wind and waves at Unstad beach during the year’s first autumn storm, Vestvågøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway. September 13, 2026. 15:07

Sunday saw the arrival of the year’s first Autumn storm – høststorm on Lofoten as a low pressure system swept across the islands bringing wind gusts near 30 m/s – 100+ kph and no shortage of sideways rain. I saw a comment from one hiker that their tent was broken during the night, and with still a lot of backers around, I’m sure a few more tents ended up in the trash bin as well.

While a little on the early side, the storm itself was not unusual for Lofoten. And there will be plenty more to follow in the coming months until the weather begins to calm again in the spring of next year.

Luckily, the wind didn’t seem to do too much damage to the autumn foliage, which is beginning to turn quite yellow by now; a little earlier than average I would say. Most likely the result of the cold and grey summer – or as my neighbour mentioned the other day, ‘What summer? It’s been autumn since June…’

Though the swell forecast wasn’t particularly high, at about 4-4.5 meters, I decided to head out to Unstad beach to take a loot around. Unstad is usually one of the better locations for storm watching in Lofoten as the west-southwest swells arrive right into the bay. The wind was blowing strong and I had to hide behind my van to take a few photos while hopelessly attempting to keep my lens dry in the blowing rain.

The light was pretty flat and boring as often is the case. Storms in Lofoten typically don’t look ’stormy.’ Just sideways rain and a flat grey sky. I didn’t stay long.

Camera Info:
Nikon Z8
Nikon 24-120mm f/4
71mm
ISO 200
f6.3
1/200 Seconds
WB Daylight