A severe thunderstorm has disrupted the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, leading to the suspension of several matches. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Västra Götaland region. The tournament organizers are prepared with contingency plans to handle the weather disruptions.
Severe Weather Threatens Gothia Cup in Gothenburg
Severe Weather Threatens Gothia Cup in Gothenburg
A thunderstorm resembling a cloudburst has swept over Gothenburg this afternoon, causing several matches in the Gothia Cup to be suspended due to lightning.
"We are ready with a comprehensive contingency plan," says competition manager Martin Laanemets.
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a yellow warning for the Västra Götaland region on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The warning extends from Uddevalla in the north to Bromölla in the southeast of Skåne.
Heavy rainfall, between 30 and 40 millimeters in a short period, could lead to flooding. Thunderstorms are also possible.
This could impact the youth tournament Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, where tens of thousands of young people from 141 countries participate.
The tournament is played on around 100 different fields in Gothenburg, and the organizers have prepared for any field that might be severely affected by the impending storm.
"It's belt and braces," says competition manager Martin Laanemets.
"But we are ready with a comprehensive contingency plan where each vulnerable field has a plan B. We have the resources to handle this," he continues.
Warning in Effect for Afternoon and Evening
The warning issued by SMHI is in effect for Tuesday afternoon and evening. Maria Svedestig, a meteorologist at SMHI, tells TT that the storm may include lightning and that the expected precipitation could contain hail.
"If these heavy showers occur in urban areas with a lot of asphalt, there could be problems with temporary flooding. If they occur in the forest, it doesn't matter, as nature can absorb the water quite quickly," Maria Svedestig tells TT.
Predicting exactly where the heavy showers will occur is difficult.
"It could be anywhere in this area, and maybe even a little outside," says Maria Svedestig.
Previously, SMHI also issued warnings for high temperatures in parts of central Norrland, where temperatures could reach up to 30 degrees on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Matches Suspended Due to Lightning
At 5 PM, the storm hit Gothenburg.
All matches at Heden in central Gothenburg have been temporarily suspended due to lightning. All players, leaders, and spectators have been asked to leave the SKF Arena stands until the storm passes.
"We ask everyone to leave the stands and wait elsewhere until this rainstorm is over," a speaker's voice is heard saying in TV4's broadcast of the youth tournament.
According to Gothia Cup's communications manager Linn Ohlsson, the rain passed by 5:30 PM. However, the rumbling thunder still blankets large parts of Gothenburg and the Gothia Cup's football fields.
"Almost all fields have been paused at some point. Several fields are already back in action," says Linn Ohlsson.
Currently, there is no clear forecast on when the matches at Heden can resume.
"We have to see how the water recedes and then conduct field inspections. At Heden, we are waiting until the water has subsided, so we have no answer yet.
"The competition management is making decisions continuously now, depending on the development," says Gothia Cup's communications manager Linn Ohlsson.