Driving Through Sandstorms and Volcanic Ash in Iceland: Safety Guide

Iceland has a weather hazard that most foreign drivers do not expect: sandstorms. On the vast black sand plains south and east of the country, powerful winds lift fine volcanic particles and can reduce visibility to zero within seconds. Volcanic ash from eruptions adds another layer of risk. This guide explains what these hazards are, where they occur, and how to drive safely through — or around — them.

Where do sandstorms occur in Iceland?

The main sandstorm risk areas are the large outwash plains (sandur) in south and south-east Iceland:

• Mýrdalssandur — East of Vík, along Route 1. Winds funnel off Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
• Skeiðarársandur — Between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Skaftafell. The largest outwash plain in Iceland. Notorious for sudden severe sandstorms.
• Öræfasveit — The area around Vatnajökull's south-west edge.
• Faxaflói coastal area — Less severe, but sand can be lifted from beaches near Reykjanes during strong southerly winds.

What damage can a sandstorm do to a rental car?

The sand in Iceland's outwash plains is ultra-fine volcanic material — essentially fine glass particles. In a severe storm:

• Paint can be stripped from entire panels within minutes of exposure
• Headlights can be permanently frosted (hazing)
• Windscreens develop fine abrasive scratches that may not be immediately visible but reduce night-time vision
• Air intakes can be partially clogged

Sand and ash damage is typically not covered by standard CDW rental insurance. You must purchase a specific sand and ash protection add-on to be covered. This is one of the most important insurance upgrades for anyone driving the south coast.

Volcanic ash — a different hazard

During or after an eruption at Katla (under Mýrdalsjökull), Grímsvötn or Hekla, fine volcanic ash can be deposited on roads across the south coast. Ash is:

• Extremely abrasive — similar to sandstorm particles but often finer
• Damaging to engines — ash ingested through the air filter can damage pistons and cylinders in severe exposure
• Slippery when wet — ash mixed with rain creates a mud-like surface with very low grip
• Blinding — light ash fall can reduce visibility rapidly

If an eruption warning is issued, road closures in the affected area will be implemented quickly. Do not attempt to drive through a fresh ash fall area.

How to tell if a sandstorm is forming

Warning signs when driving across a sandur:

• Wind gauge on your phone or the rental car showing sudden acceleration
• Visible brown haze low on the horizon ahead
• Fine grit beginning to hit the windscreen — a ticking sound
• Road surface becoming partially obscured by drifting sand

Check en.vedur.is for wind warnings before crossing any sandur section. A yellow or orange wind warning for the south-east region is a serious signal — consider waiting or taking an alternative route.

What to do if caught in a sandstorm

1. Reduce speed immediately. At lower speed, less sand hits the vehicle and you have more reaction time.
2. Turn on full headlights. Even during the day, headlights help other drivers see you in reduced visibility.
3. If visibility drops to near zero, pull off the road completely — well clear of the travel lane — and stop. Turn on hazard lights. Do not step outside the vehicle in a severe storm.
4. Do not try to outrun the storm by speeding up. In Iceland, sandstorms can extend for 30–50 km.
5. Keep windows fully closed. Fine volcanic sand gets into every gap.
6. Report to Vegagerðin if you observe a blocked or significantly drifted road section.

Insurance protection for sand and ash damage

If you are renting a car in Iceland and plan to drive the south coast:

• Ask specifically about Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) at the rental counter
• Confirm in writing what damage scenarios are covered
• Do not assume your credit card's travel insurance covers sand damage — most policies specifically exclude this in Iceland

The daily cost for sand and ash protection is typically 10–20 EUR. On a 10-day south coast trip, this 100–200 EUR premium is worth it.

Summary

Sandstorms on Iceland's outwash plains — particularly Skeiðarársandur and Mýrdalssandur — can cause severe paint, windscreen, and mechanical damage within minutes. Check wind warnings on en.vedur.is before crossing any sandur section, buy sand and ash protection insurance, and know when to pull off and wait. Volcanic ash adds an additional hazard: treat any ash fall on roads as a reason to stop and check official sources before continuing.