The heavy rainstorm, named Hans in Norway, moved in over southern Sweden on Sunday – and has already caused problems for air and ferry traffic.
In several parts of the country, the emergency services have increased their preparedness for floods.
SMHI has issued yellow warnings for large amounts of rain across southern and central Sweden, as well as southern Norrland. On Sunday evening, the storm moved in over the southern parts of the country with heavy thunder and rain showers.
In several places, the emergency services have increased their preparedness for floods, including in Greater Gothenburg, where they are ready to call in more people if necessary, reports Göteborgs-Posten. The rescue service in Småland-Blekinge and the Värmland municipalities of Säffle, Arvika and Eda have also prepared for possible floods.
One of the most vulnerable cities is Jönköping, where the reinforced emergency services had received around 25 rain-related alarms at 10pm on Sunday evening. A sidewalk and parts of a road in the city have also collapsed as a result of the heavy rain, reports Jönköpings-Posten.
Strikes against planes and ferries
The storm also affects air, road and ferry traffic. Polferries has canceled the ferry service between Sweden and Poland on Sunday and Monday, reports P4 Kristianstad.
Air traffic at Arlanda and Landvetter has been affected with delays as a result of the thunderstorm during Sunday evening. Travelers who will be flying on Monday are asked to keep track via Swedavia’s website and app, reports Aftonbladet.
Due to the strong winds, wind-sensitive vehicles are advised not to drive over the Öresund Bridge. From minor roads, fallen trees are also reported in several parts of the country, according to the Swedish Transport Administration.
Red warning is expected
During Sunday, SMHI lowered the warning for high water flows from red to yellow. However, the risks of the rain-heavy storm causing flooding on roads and in people’s basements remain, according to Niclas Hjerdt, hydrologist at SMHI.
As of Tuesday, the warning will be upgraded again to red in an area that includes Västra Götaland, Värmland, Jönköping and Örebro counties.
FACTWeather warnings
Yellow warning: The weather may have consequences for society and pose certain risks to the public. Disruptions in some social functions are expected.
Orange warning: May involve serious consequences for society, danger to the public and serious damage to property and the environment. Disruptions in social functions are expected.
Red Alert: Very serious consequences for society and great danger to the public. Extensive disruptions in social functions are expected.
Source: SMHI
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