Severe Snowstorm Prompts School Closures and Travel Disruptions in Västernorrland

Authorities in Västernorrland have downgraded a red snow warning to orange but continue to warn against travel due to heavy snowfall and high risks of becoming stranded. The snowstorm, peaking overnight, has led to significant disruptions including the closure of high schools in Härnösand and a shift to remote learning in other schools across the region.

Train services between Sundsvall and Umeå remain suspended until noon as the storm continues to affect public transport. Kramfors municipality has urged parents to keep children home, with widespread impacts on school and bus transportation. Despite the severity of the weather, police report that traffic has remained calm with no accidents, an unusual circumstance given the conditions. Emelie Danielsson, police officer at the regional command center, noted, "I believe we haven't been dispatched to a single accident."

Southern Sweden, including Göteborg and Uddevalla, is also experiencing severe weather effects with major suspensions in public transport and school bus cancellations. Västtrafik is assessing snow drifts to determine when services can resume.

The snowstorm that affected areas from just south of Härnösand to west of Örnsköldsvik is moving northwards, but disruptions and warnings persist. Residents are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and monitor local updates for ongoing conditions.