Severe Snowstorm Brings Orange Warnings and Traffic Chaos to Stockholm Area

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has expanded its snow warnings to include Stockholm, as a severe winter storm brings heavy snowfall and strong northeast winds to the region. An orange warning, indicating a high level of risk, has been issued for snow combined with wind for both Saturday and Sunday, affecting major cities like Stockholm, Uppsala, Åkersberga, and Vaxholm.

Meteorologist Emma Härenstam highlighted that the worst snowfall is expected along the Roslagskusten, especially around Östhammar and Norrtälje, where very large snow accumulations are anticipated. Meanwhile, the storm’s center will remain over the Baltic Sea through Sunday before gradually weakening and moving eastwards. By Saturday evening, snowfall intensity will decrease around areas such as Gävle and Sundsvall.

The ongoing storm, known as Stormen Anna, continues to disrupt transportation significantly. In the Stockholm region, the orange warning has led to hazardous traffic conditions. Further south and west, there have been severe traffic problems, including a total stoppage on the E4 highway in Mjölby early Saturday morning after a truck accident. Additionally, all bus traffic has been canceled in the Hälsingland and Gästrikland regions due to the adverse weather.

Heavy snowfall has also caused extensive congestion on the E22 road, where around 400 vehicles became stuck in long queues. Authorities issued a public message (VMA) to warn drivers of the dangerous conditions. Efforts to free the trapped vehicles and clear the roads are ongoing, but as of early Saturday morning, the situation remains at a standstill.

Looking ahead, light snowfall is expected in southern Sweden on Monday and Tuesday, but meteorologists have not yet confirmed whether these will warrant further warnings. Residents in the Stockholm area and surrounding regions are advised to remain cautious and stay updated on weather alerts and travel advisories as the storm persists.