Storms Johannes and Anna Leave Hundreds in Sweden Without Power for Over a Week

Severe storms Johannes and Anna, which struck northern and central Sweden in late December 2025, have caused widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of households, with many residents facing prolonged electricity loss extending beyond ten days.

The region of Gävleborg remains particularly hard hit, with over 700 households still without power after nearly twelve days. Jonas Hedin and Ann-Sofie Olsson, living outside Bollnäs, shared their struggles relying on a gas stove and an electric generator for basic needs. They have faced difficulties fetching water daily to care for their animals and handle household tasks, describing their meals as "very basic." The lack of electricity has also left chores like laundry and dishwashing undone, leading to a significant backlog.

In Råhällan, residents such as Börje Löfgren and Margareta Engström endured ten days without electricity before power was restored. They coped with the help of a generator and wood stove, though Margareta celebrated her birthday away from home due to the lack of amenities. Both expressed relief at power's return but remained concerned about future outages and are considering more reliable power solutions.

Ellevio, the electricity provider, acknowledged the extensive damage caused by the storms—including thousands of fallen trees that disrupted the grid—and confirmed deploying 180 personnel to work on repairs. The company admitted the complexity of restoring power and challenges in maintaining communication with customers, especially as communication systems were also impacted. Ellevio assured that customers will receive compensation for outages as mandated by law, with compensation increasing the longer power is lost.

Storm Johannes, which hit on December 27, was the strongest of the year and claimed three lives. The arrival of subsequent heavy snowfall further complicated recovery efforts, prolonging outages across Gävleborg and Västernorrland.

These storms have underscored the vulnerabilities in the region's power infrastructure during severe winter weather, leaving many residents reliant on generators and alternative heating sources for extended periods, and facing daily challenges in basic living conditions.