A massive cyclone named 'Karl-Heinz' is moving from Poland towards Sweden, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms. The storm is expected to hit Gotland by midnight, with intense rainfall predicted overnight. SMHI has issued an orange warning for southern Norrland, anticipating up to 100mm of rain. The cyclone may intensify as it moves over warmer waters, potentially causing power outages and flooding.
Cyclone 'Karl-Heinz' Approaches Sweden: Intense Rain and Thunderstorms Expected
Cyclone 'Karl-Heinz' Approaches Sweden: Intense Rain and Thunderstorms Expected
A cyclone as large as the Swedish region of Småland is moving from Poland towards Sweden. This evening, the low-pressure system will reach Gotland, bringing heavy rain.
– The night leading into Tuesday will be the most intense, says meteorologist Martin Kjell.
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued an orange warning for torrential rain in southern Norrland, starting Monday night.
The storm, named 'Karl-Heinz' in Poland, is currently near Gdansk.
– The low-pressure system will reach Gotland by midnight, but precipitation will begin earlier in the evening, says meteorologist Martin Kjell at Stormgeo.
The storm will hit Gotland at midnight. Precipitation will start earlier in the evening, but the most intense period is expected overnight when the cyclone is over the island.
– There will be significant rainfall. Most places will see about five centimeters, but locally it could be as much as ten.
This is equivalent to about a month's worth of normal rainfall in a single day.
Along the southern Norrland coast, SMHI has issued an orange warning, the second highest, for torrential rain. The warning area stretches roughly from Gävle in the south to Sollefteå in the north. Locally, up to 100 millimeters of rain could fall on Tuesday, and there is likely to be some thunder.
Additionally, a yellow warning, which is a lower level, covers Uppland, Mälardalen, and parts of Sörmland. A yellow warning also surrounds the orange warning area, covering southeastern Norrland and eastern Dalarna.
These areas are also expected to experience heavy rain that could cause flooding.
Could Worsen
In Poland, over 2,000 households have lost power due to the storm. In Sweden, people can also expect a significant thunderstorm, says Martin Kjell.
– There will be a lot of thunder and lightning over Gotland, so power outages are possible in some areas.
On Tuesday, the cyclone will move towards the Stockholm area, and then further towards Gävle. Even more thunder is possible there.
– It is still uncertain, but it could intensify when it moves over warm water, as this provides more energy, says Martin Kjell.
The low-pressure system will then continue northward, reaching the Norrland coast on Tuesday.
– It is about the size of Småland and moves quickly, says Martin Kjell.
Clearing Up
The storm has not yet been named in Sweden, and it remains to be seen if SMHI will name it.
As the low-pressure system moves quickly, it will also pass relatively quickly.
– On Gotland, it will clear up later on Tuesday, says Martin Kjell.