Updated 13.41 | Published 13.35
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Both red and orange warnings have been issued along the Kävlingeån all the way down to the sea.
More precipitation is expected during the day.
– It can’t get worse than what it is right now, says Richard Alpfjord-Wylde, hydrologist at SMHI.
During Friday, SMHI issued both red and orange warnings along the Kävlingeån and the entire watercourse out into the sea at Lödde.
– There has never been as much water in Kävlingeån as there is now, says Richard Alpfjord-Wylde, hydrologist at SMHI.s
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full screen Barriers were erected at Hörbyån earlier this week. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
The reason for the high water levels is that in order to get water out of Lake Vombsjön, the water discharge has been increased.
– We have followed the development with high water flows since New Year’s Day. The red warning for the Kävlingeån came a bit suddenly and the reason is that there was concern that the dam would burst, says Frida Sjöstedt, acting director of emergency preparedness at the county administration in Skåne.
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full screenResidents are struggling to divert the water with the help of dikes in Hörby. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
During the day, more rain is also expected in the area and there is now a high risk of very serious consequences for society. SMHI writes in its warning that it can be “dangerous to stay near the watercourse”.
– When it comes to the high flows, the worst case scenario could be drowning accidents or people getting stuck in their cars. Then of course there will be major damage to roads and trees can end up in the waterways damaging various structures, says Alpfjord-Wylde.
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full screen Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
Wanted to avoid dam failure
Already yesterday, a cooperation group with relevant actors has been out and checked the areas where the warnings have been issued. Both municipalities and the Swedish Transport Administration have watched with drones, and they have, among other things, moved traffic cameras and ensured that activities important to society will not be affected. The County Administrative Board has also requested and received reinforcement from the Swedish Agency for Community Protection and Preparedness, MSB, in the form of barriers.
Residents are now also being asked to prepare.
– You can review your home preparation. If you live really close, you have probably already built some protection, such as laying out sandbags to protect basements, says Frida Sjöstedt.
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fullscreen The outlet from Vombsjön. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT
Can’t say when it will get better
According to SMHI, it is difficult to set a forecast for when the water flows will recede. During the day, the risk of flooding is greatest from Lake Vombsjön up towards Kävlinge. There, the orange warnings have been issued when there is a particular risk of flooding of important roads, railways, homes and commercial activities.
– It can’t get worse because it’s not possible to release more water from Lake Vombsjön, but I also can’t say when it will get better because you have to bring the levels down there, says Alpfjord-Wylde.
Something that makes it difficult for the water to get out is the high water level in the sea. The communities at the estuary are therefore at risk of major floods.
Residents along the entire watercourse are therefore asked to keep track of weather updates, traffic information and possible crisis information via MSB.