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WEATHER

What to do when a flood warning is issued in Sweden

Sweden faces a growing risk of flooding as global warming leads to more unpredictable weather patterns. That's why it's important to know what you can do to minimise potential flood-related damages.

Published: 24 July 2024 14:58 CEST
Flood
Flooding can cause significant travel disruptions, so keep an eye on potential train and bus cancellations and closed roads. Photo by: Johan Nilsson / TT

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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WEATHER

How common are lightning strikes in Sweden?

Eight people were taken to hospital following a lightning strike in the Stockholm suburb of Lidingö this week, but how often does lightning actually strike in Sweden?

Published: 30 August 2024 13:46 CEST
How common are lightning strikes in Sweden?

According to Sweden’s state meteorologists SMHI, thunder and lightning strikes occur on between 5 and 20 days per year. Now, that might not sound like a lot, but on days where lightning does occur, there can be thousands of strikes across the country. To put Sweden’s number of strikes into perspective, the area around the Amazon rainforest has around 250 lightning days per year.

The lightning strike in Lidingö, close to Stockholm, which hit a group of people at a youth football training session was one of a total 7,072 lightning strikes which occurred on August 29th. Sweden’s northwestern mountain ranges see the fewest strikes, while the west coast sees the most. 

Not all lightning strikes reach the ground, and many strike between clouds, so they don’t represent a danger to the population. SMHI’s lightning registration systems record around 150,000 ground strikes per year.

SMHI meterologist Per Stenborg speaking to SVT news in 2018 estimated the total number of people hit by lightning as between five and ten each year, with around 20 percent of those being fatal.

“That’s around one or two people a year,” he said at the time.

What should you do in the event of a thunderstorm?

Although the likelihood of getting struck by lightning is low, it can be a good idea to be aware of the best course of action if you do find yourself outside during a thunderstorm.

Emergency information website krisinformation.se recommends that you stay indoors and unplug power cords from wall outlets, especially if your building has no built-in lightning protection, like a lightning rod or similar.

Concrete buildings are particularly safe to be in, as the reinforcing bars used inside the walls are made of metal, and are extremely effective at leading electricity down to the ground.

If you are outside during a thunderstorm, bear in mind that lightning will strike the highest point it can find, so you should avoid standing in open fields or standing near large trees.

It’s also especially dangerous to be on or in the water, as not only are you likely to be the highest point around, but water also conducts electricity, so you risk being shocked even if you aren’t particularly close to the site of the strike.

If there are no buildings close by, you’re generally safer in a car or motorhome than out in the open, although tents can be dangerous. Make sure you don’t touch the radio or other metal parts of the car during the storm.

Avoid carrying long metal objects, like umbrellas, golf clubs or canes, as these could act as a lightning rod.

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