Severe Snowstorm Anna Forces School Closures and Exam Cancellations in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is grappling with major educational disruptions as snowstorm Anna has brought heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions to the city and its surroundings. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issued an orange weather warning for Gothenburg and the Bohuslän area, forecasting up to 30 centimeters of snow and strong winds from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning.

In response to the severe weather, municipal high schools in Gothenburg will be closed on Thursday to ensure the safety of both students and staff, according to Bo Drysén, education manager for the Central area. This decision follows a cancellation of all in-person teaching for the day. Additionally, Chalmers University of Technology canceled all scheduled exams on Wednesday, directly affecting approximately 1,200 students.

The snowstorm has also severely disrupted public transportation, with Västtrafik canceling all tram lines in the city and substituting some with buses. Authorities strongly advise residents to stay indoors and only travel if absolutely necessary due to hazardous road conditions and the ongoing snowfall.

This winter weather event arises as snowstorm Anna merges with the previously disruptive low-pressure system known as Goretti, which impacted parts of the UK before reaching Sweden. The confluence of these storms has led to significant complications across the Västkusten region.

Bo Drysén emphasized that the school closures and exam cancellations are entirely precautionary measures to guarantee safety amid the challenging weather conditions. With the snowstorm forecast to continue, additional disruptions may unfold in the coming days, though education authorities remain focused on protecting students and staff during this period of extreme weather.