The worst affected by the storm are Gävleborg and Dalarna, according to inventory manager Magnus Martinsson at the Swedish Forest Agency.
That's where we get reports of really extensive damage. There's also a lot of damage along the Norrland coast.
The Swedish Forest Agency and various forestry stakeholders are now beginning to inventory the damage, which is largely being done by helicopter.
We have learned from previous storms not to be in too much of a hurry and that it is important to prioritize jobs based on the condition of the ground, says Olov Eriksson, field area manager for Öst at Norra Skog, to ATL.
Billions of kronor
According to LRF, it is too early to assess the total extent of the damage, but it could be several billion kronor in value.
"We see a fragmented picture so far. Some forest owners have suffered damage to their entire stand, while others have managed with minor damage," says Palle Borgström, chairman of the LRF, in a press release.
The Swedish Forest Agency's Magnus Martinsson also says that it is too early to make any estimates.
That's a lot, but it's one to two weeks before we can come up with an approximate figure.
No frost
According to the Swedish Forest Agency, the mild winter, without frost, contributed to the extensive forest damage.
"It is definitely true that on frozen ground, trees have greater resistance to wind. We are getting warmer winters and, with that, less frost. We can probably conclude that it has to do with climate change," says Magnus Martinsson.
He also emphasizes how important it is for forest owners and everyone else to put safety first and not venture into storm-damaged forests.
It is life-threatening to go into these damaged areas. Trees that have not fallen but may be slightly leaning can fall at the slightest gust of wind, says Magnus Martinsson.
