Severe Snowstorm Hits Sweden: Disruptions, Emergency Aid, and Record Low Temperatures Expected

A powerful snowstorm sweeping across northern and central Sweden has caused widespread disruption, prompting emergency responses and rare weather warnings. The storm, peaking over the night along the Norrland coast from Härnösand to Örnsköldsvik, is forecast to drop between 40 and 60 centimeters of snow by Friday morning, according to meteorologist Gustav Åström from SMHI. This has led to significant traffic issues, including a truck blocking a lane on the E4 highway near Saltvik and the suspension of ferry services.

The storm's severity is underscored by the issuance of a red warning by SMHI for the most affected areas and an orange warning for Sundsvall, where parents were advised to keep children home from school if possible. Unusually, the storm has produced snow thunder, a rare phenomenon indicating intense winter conditions.

In Hälsingland, heavy snowfall has caused multiple traffic accidents on the E4 highway, including a significant pile-up in Enånger. Emergency services report numerous vehicles have veered off the road, but fortunately, no injuries have been recorded. Authorities warn that worsening conditions and reduced visibility make travel hazardous and recommend avoiding road travel if possible.

Further south in the Gothenburg region, heavy snow has severely impacted elderly care services. Hemvärnet, the Swedish Home Guard, has deployed tracked vehicles, known as bandvagnar, to assist home care staff in reaching clients in Torslanda and surrounding municipalities. According to Mikael Reidar, the company commander, defense resources will remain on standby overnight if additional help is required. Neighboring municipalities Kungälv and Ale are also using bandvagnar from the Voluntary Resource Group to support vulnerable populations during the storm.

Looking ahead, the storm is expected to diminish starting Friday as a high-pressure system moves in, bringing clearer and colder weather with temperatures potentially plunging to minus 40 degrees Celsius in some northern areas overnight. Areas such as Gotland and Öland may experience milder conditions temporarily before another precipitation event possibly arrives mid-next week.

Authorities continue to urge caution amid challenging travel conditions and ongoing snowfall accumulation. Emergency services remain vigilant, and community support efforts including military assistance are helping maintain essential services through the severe winter weather.