Storm Karl-Heinz Causes Severe Flooding and Traffic Disruptions Across Sweden
Storm Karl-Heinz triggers flooding and traffic chaos in Sweden, focusing on Stockholm and Gotland.
Key Points
- • Storm Karl-Heinz brings heavy rainfall to Sweden, with forecasts of up to 100 mm in some areas.
- • Significant flooding leads to disrupted traffic on major routes like the E4 between Stockholm and Uppsala.
- • Emergency services in Gotland respond to flooded basements and obstructed roads due to fallen trees.
- • Meteorologists have issued weather warnings, including a yellow warning for Gotland and an orange one for southeastern Norrland.
The severe weather system Karl-Heinz has swept across Sweden, leading to heavy rainfall and significant flooding, particularly affecting the Stockholm and Gotland regions. As of July 29, 2025, the storm has resulted in major traffic disruptions and emergency responses throughout the affected areas.
Initial reports indicate that up to 100 millimeters of rain may be expected in some regions due to the storm. The E4 highway, a key route between Stockholm and Uppsala, has been severely affected with at least one lane currently submerged. Other major roads, including Roslagsvägen and Södertäljevägen, are also experiencing large water accumulations, prompting warnings from the Swedish railway company SJ about increased risk of traffic disruptions on multiple train routes across the country.
In Gotland, emergency services are dealing with flooding and traffic issues, particularly in Klintehamn and Hemse where many homes have been affected by water in their basements and fallen trees blocking access. Reports indicate that a total of 62.3 millimeters of rain was recorded at Visby Airport from Monday evening to Tuesday morning, with local areas likely recording even more. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in Gotland and an orange warning for southeastern Norrland, while warnings of traffic disruptions remain in effect in Stockholm.
"We are actively assisting residents in areas impacted by flooding and fallen trees. The rainfall intensity is making it difficult to manage the situation," explained Marie Nordahl, operations manager at the Mitt Rescue Center. While some areas expect the weather to clear shortly, the timeline for rescue operations remains uncertain as local conditions continue to evolve.
With more rain anticipated across the country, meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation. Henrik Reimer from SMHI has underscored the importance of registered warnings to help residents prepare for the ongoing storm impacts, emphasizing that motorists should exercise caution in flooded areas.
As the storm continues its path through Sweden, local authorities and meteorological services are committed to providing updates on the weather developments and any required precautions for residents, signaling a need for heightened awareness and preparedness in the coming hours.