Sweden is set to experience more rainfall on Thursday and Friday, with Västernorrland facing the brunt of the weather. The region, already struggling with flooding and traffic chaos, is under a yellow warning for rain and high water flows. Authorities are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact, while residents are advised to prepare for potential flooding.
Heavy Rainfall Expected to Hit Sweden: Västernorrland Braces for Impact
Heavy Rainfall Expected to Hit Sweden: Västernorrland Braces for Impact
Sweden is set to experience more rainfall across the country on Thursday and Friday. The emergency services in Örnsköldsvik are receiving reinforcements from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) as intensive efforts continue to repair roads damaged by the heavy downpours.
The torrential rains have led to flooding and significant traffic chaos in several parts of Västernorrland.
New Warnings
More rainfall is expected across Sweden on Thursday and Friday, except for the northernmost part of Norrland, according to Johan Groth, a meteorologist at Storm.
"The unfortunate part is that more rain is expected in Västernorrland, where the situation is already problematic. Even though the amounts won't be as large as before, the ground is already saturated, increasing the risk of flooding," says Johan Groth.
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a yellow warning for rain in Västernorrland on Thursday and Friday, with 30 to 50 millimeters expected, and locally even more. The risk of flooding in basements and stormwater systems is high, and residents are advised to seal basements, move delicate items, and clear gutters. SMHI also warns against driving through water accumulations, as roads and underpasses may flood.
There is also a yellow warning for high water flows in the Moälven river in Örnsköldsvik municipality following the heavy rain.
SMHI has also issued warnings for very strong gusts along the coast in Sörmland and Stockholm counties on Thursday evening.
Emergency Services Reinforce
The emergency services have received support from a hydrologist to calculate river flows. MSB has sent barriers, sandbags, and larger pumps to Örnsköldsvik.
The Swedish Transport Administration has personnel on-site to restore roads and be ready for new downpours.
"We shouldn't paint the devil on the wall, but it's good to be proactive. If you have a basement or live in a vulnerable area, you should get a pump, remove valuable items, and clear away loose objects. If the situation becomes serious, we will prioritize socially critical operations," says operations leader Linus Jogedal to TT.
Weekend Weather
On Friday, the rain will move north and weaken, while the rest of the country will experience variable cloudiness and occasional showers. The weekend is expected to bring changeable weather across Sweden.
"It could be sunny in the morning, showers in the afternoon, and then sunny again. It's unpredictable weather, to say the least," says Johan Groth.
The warmth continues, but the high late-summer temperatures are over.
"It will still be warmer than normal across the country, but we say goodbye to the really high temperatures. Expect around 20 degrees at most, not 25," says Groth.