SMHI Issues Expanded Storm Warnings as Storm Amy Approaches Sweden
Sweden faces strong winds and heavy rains as SMHI expands warnings ahead of Storm Amy's weekend arrival, disrupting transport and public safety.
- • SMHI issues 27 warnings including an orange level for northern west coast with hurricane gust risk.
- • Ferries to Gotland canceled; train services in Västsverige suspended for 24 hours starting midnight Friday.
- • Wind gusts up to 25 m/s expected along west coast; heavy rainfall up to 70 mm possible in Västernorrland.
- • Public advised to avoid the sea, secure outdoor items, and prepare for power outages and traffic disruptions.
Key details
Storm Amy is set to hit Sweden starting Saturday, prompting the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) to broaden its weather warnings across multiple regions. The storm is approaching from Norway and is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and hazardous conditions lasting through the weekend.
SMHI has issued a total of 27 warnings for strong winds affecting both land and sea. An orange warning, level two on a three-tier scale, has been issued for northern parts of the west coast along Skagerrak, where hurricane-force gusts up to 25 meters per second are possible. Residents are advised to avoid sea travel unless absolutely necessary. Ferry services to Gotland have been canceled, and train services in Västsverige will be suspended for at least 24 hours starting from midnight Friday.
The strongest winds are forecast in the Götaland west coast area, with gusts reaching up to 25 m/s. A yellow warning remains in effect for western Götaland, southwestern Svealand, and much of southern Sweden’s coastlines, including Mälardalen. These conditions increase the risk of fallen trees and traffic disruptions. Heavy rainfall is also expected, with 30-40 mm forecast in some parts, and potential for even heavier precipitation—up to 70 mm—in Västernorrland.
Specifically, eastern Gotland and Öland have been newly included in the warnings, with wind gusts expected to reach 23-26 m/s on Öland from Saturday morning into the early evening. The harshest winds are anticipated Saturday night on eastern Gotland. Meteorologist Max Lindberg Stoltz emphasized that although the peak gusts will occur in the morning, windy conditions will persist throughout the day.
Additional safety advice includes ensuring mobile devices are fully charged and vehicles fueled before the storm's arrival to mitigate emergencies caused by power outages or blockage from fallen debris. SMHI expects the low-pressure system associated with Amy to begin weakening by Sunday, though some warnings will remain in place.
This extensive preparation underscores the severity of Storm Amy's impact, with authorities urging the public to take precautions and abide by issued warnings to ensure safety during the storm’s duration.