The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in Västernorrland County on Thursday and Friday. With the ground already saturated, there is a risk of high water levels in streams and small rivers. The low-pressure system causing this weather is moving in from Poland and Germany. Authorities are on high alert, with preparations in place to manage potential flooding.
SMHI Issues New Rain Warning: 'Heavy Downpours Expected'
SMHI Issues New Rain Warning: 'Heavy Downpours Expected'
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a yellow warning for rain on Thursday and Friday in Västernorrland County.
"On Thursday and Friday, rain and showers are expected, with a risk of heavy downpours in areas already severely affected in Västernorrland. Due to saturated ground, water can quickly flow into waterways, posing a general risk of high flows in streams and small rivers," writes SMHI.
The new storm is driven by a low-pressure system from Poland and Germany moving over the Baltic Sea.
"Rain and showers will arrive on Thursday night. During Thursday, significant rainfall is expected over Västernorrland," says Moa Hallberg, meteorologist at SMHI.
Angelika Knutsson, press officer at the Swedish Transport Administration, states that the agency is on high alert in the area.
"We are working to the best of our ability and are monitoring the upcoming storm with the highest readiness. We have pumps ready to deploy if needed and are in regular contact with SMHI to track the forecasts," she says.
Up to 100 millimeters of rain fell in a short period on Sunday, primarily affecting Härnösand, Kramfors, Sollefteå, and Örnsköldsvik. Roads were washed away, and two trains derailed. A man died when the road beneath his car collapsed. About 40 roads have been so severely damaged that they are completely closed or have limited accessibility.