In Gävleborg, where the warning is in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. tomorrow, about half a meter of snow could fall. Orange and yellow warnings for snow and wind have also been issued for larger areas in parts of Svealand and Norrland.
A yellow warning for snowfall has also been issued in parts of Götaland, which is valid from 6 p.m. on New Year's Day.
“Very seriously”
The warning area has been extended northwards and now applies up to the northeastern part of Västernorrland County, with a yellow warning for wind and snowfall. In parts of Götaland and Svealand and on Gotland, a yellow warning for sudden icy conditions has been issued.
The police have urged the public to take the weather warnings seriously as roads may become completely impassable, the telephone network may be knocked out and rescue operations may take a long time during the snowstorm.
The Swedish Transport Administration urges the public in all affected areas not to venture into traffic at all and has heavy-duty trucks and tracked vehicles on standby.
"We take a red warning very seriously, and we hope that everyone at home in the cabins does too," says Veronika Gustafsson.
High risk of power outages
In several places there is a risk of extensive power outages. SMHI has taken into account that Gävleborg, which is affected by the red warning, is particularly vulnerable due to the advance of storm Johannes - not least because trees are already on the verge of falling. According to the electricity network company Ellevio and Eon, around 3,900 households were without power at 11 a.m. on Thursday, the majority in Gävleborg County. SMHI has previously warned that it is important to stock up because households risk being completely isolated.
SMHI has three levels of weather warnings:
Yellow warning: Consequences for society, some risks to the public.
Orange warning: Serious consequences for society, danger to the public.
Red warning: Very serious consequences for society, great danger to the public.
