Storm Floris, described as the most devastating summer storm in recent memory, has reached Scandinavia, causing significant disruptions in Norway and prompting weather warnings in Sweden. Authorities are preparing for potential impacts, including blocked roads and power outages.
Storm Floris Hits Norway, Triggers Weather Warnings in Sweden
Storm Floris Hits Norway, Triggers Weather Warnings in Sweden
In Norway, the storm is in full force, with trees blocking roads and traffic warnings in place. Storm Floris, described in Scotland as the "most devastating summer storm in recent memory," is moving into Sweden on Tuesday.
"We are preparing," says Mats Runberg, duty officer at the West Rescue Service.
Storm Floris has reached Scandinavia, with strong winds currently affecting Norway, where several warnings for wind and rain have been issued by the Norwegian weather institute.
During the night, between 15 and 20 trees were blown down in the Stavanger area, reports VG. In Stavanger, on the island of Hundvåg, a trampoline was blown away and is blocking a road.
"It's been a bit hectic, and it will probably get busier when people start driving," says Andreas Rasmussen from the Norwegian Traffic Authority to Dagbladet.
All Color Line ferries between Norway and Denmark are canceled for the day.
Warnings in Sweden
In Sweden, a yellow weather warning for strong winds – locally stormy gusts – is in effect over large parts of Västra Götaland and southern Värmland County.
On Monday morning, strong winds were reported along the Bohuslän coast.
"23 meters per second have been measured at Måseskär. So there are very strong gusts there," says meteorologist Fredrik Cronvall at SMHI to TT.
SMHI warns that roads may be blocked by fallen trees and states on its website that there is a risk of traffic delays.
People in the area are advised to secure loose items, such as trampolines and garden furniture, and there is a risk of disruptions in the power grid.
The warning is in effect until 8 PM on Tuesday evening.
Rescue Services Prepare
As of 8 AM on Tuesday morning, the situation is still calm in Sweden. No weather-related incidents have occurred during the night and early Tuesday morning in the West region or Greater Gothenburg.
"We are prepared, and this morning we will have a meeting with other rescue services around Gothenburg," says Mats Runberg, duty officer at the West Rescue Service.
Strömstad Municipality has also prepared.
"The technical department has cleared the municipal drains so that the water can flow away," says rescue chief Ida Luther Wallin to TT.
Train Services Halted
On Monday, SMHI and the Swedish Transport Administration held a crisis meeting to prepare for the storm and discuss whether train services need to be canceled in certain areas. Later in the day, it was announced that traffic on the Kinnekullebanan, located between Vättern and Vänern, would be suspended for a day starting at midnight on Tuesday.
Västtrafik warns throughout Tuesday and Wednesday that there is a risk of disruptions in public transport, and travelers should expect delays and canceled departures.
On Monday night, around 1 AM, power was lost for nearly 4,000 customers in Sotenäs. Still, at 6 AM, over 3,000 households are without power, but it is not known if this is due to the storm or another cause.
Meanwhile, the power company Ellevio has increased preparedness for power outages in Western Sweden, as stated on their website. The company has staffed up with more technicians and personnel at its operations center.
However, they warn that technicians will not be sent out during severe weather for safety reasons.
"Any fallen trees and other obstacles will be addressed when weather conditions allow," writes Ellevio on their site.