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WEATHER

NEW PICTURES: Traffic chaos and mayonnaise as blizzard sweeps Sweden

Here's what it looked like when the snowstorm battered southern and central Sweden.

Published: 7 March 2023 15:20 CET
Updated: 8 March 2023 05:12 CET

NEW PICTURES: Traffic chaos and mayonnaise as blizzard sweeps Sweden

Stockholmers braving the blizzard at the Slussen public transport junction. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

A woman pushing a stroller through the snow in Stockholm. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

A brave Swede shovelling snow outside a shop in Höör. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

A snow plough clearing the road between Hörby and Lund in southern Sweden. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

A bus skidded off the road at Löddeköpinge in southern Sweden. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Three trucks were involved in an accident at Landskrona in southern Sweden. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

A truck carrying 500 kilos of mayonnaise toppled over on the road between Staffanstorp and Malmö. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Road conditions were poor in several parts of Sweden on Tuesday. Here’s the E20 road north of Gothenburg. Photo: Adam Ihse/TT

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What to do when a flood warning is issued in Sweden

Extreme weather is becoming more common worldwide due to climate change, and Sweden is no exception.

READ MORE: Rain and floods: How global heating could alter Nordic summers

While there isn’t much one can do about the weather itself, by staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your valuables from the increasing risk of flooding in the country.

What you need to know about Sweden’s weather warning system

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issues weather warnings on a three-point scale: yellow, orange, and red, each indicating increasing levels of severity and risk, with red being the most dangerous one.

A yellow danger warning can lead to power outages and traffic disruptions, such as blocked roads and delays in public transport.

When it is in place, the public is advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and take preventive measures, especially if they live in vulnerable areas or belong to at-risk groups.

An orange warning indicates weather that could have serious consequences for society. Power outages and poor road conditions are more likely.

The public is advised to avoid activities that expose them to weather risks and take action to reduce the risk of injury (this might include, for example, working from home instead of commuting).

Significant disruptions to public services, including transport, are also expected under an orange warning.

A red danger warning, the most severe within the SMHI’s system, means weather conditions could pose a significant danger to the public and cause major disruptions.

You should avoid any risky activities and take extensive preventive measures to protect your life and property.

Public services are expected to adapt and ensure the public in the country is adequately informed in the case of a red warning.

READ MORE: What do Sweden’s weather warnings actually mean?

Staying informed and prepared – essential resources

The first thing on your to-do list should be to read up on the latest warnings and weather updates.

You can find the latest warnings and advisories on the SMHI’s website. Monitoring these updates will help you stay prepared for any expected severe weather event.

You can also subscribe to danger warning notifications in the SMHI mobile app (available in the iOS App Store and on Google Play for Android), which will send out push notifications for alerts. The app also shows weather forecasts.

Furthermore, make sure to check with your local authorities for specific advice and information about your area.

It’s a good idea to double-check that your information in the national population register is up to date so that local authorities can contact you in case of emergencies, such as evacuation notices.

Checking for flood-related travel disruptions

Flooding can cause significant travel disruptions, so keep an eye on potential train and bus cancellations and closed roads.

If storms and winds accompany severe weather, ferry connections may also be affected.

For the latest updates on such disruptions, check with transport operators like SJ and the Swedish Transport Administration – or the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).

The website Krisinformation.se, which publishes emergency-related information from the Swedish authorities, is also a valuable resource.

Securing your home and valuables

To protect your home from flooding, make sure you clean drainage systems and gutters to ensure proper water flow.

Move valuables from basements to higher ground and ensure windows and doors are securely closed.

If you have one, clear your garden of loose objects and secure larger items like boats or caravans.

Note that flooding can also impact utilities such as electricity and water. Therefore, it’s wise to have emergency supplies, including water, blankets, and non-perishable food.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency provides guidelines on what supplies you’ll need in an emergency on its website.

Reading up on Sweden’s VMA system – the alarms that are tested four times a year which sound a bit like air raid sirens – is also a good idea, as it will help you understand what the different signals mean.

READ ALSO: What should foreigners in Sweden think about when preparing for a war or crisis?

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