Finland, Sweden: Authorities maintaining flood warnings across parts of northern Finland and northern Sweden as of May 19

Event

Flood warnings are being maintained across parts of northern Finland and northern Sweden as of May 19. The affected area includes parts of Lapland and northern North Ostrobothnia counties in Finland and Norrbotten County in Sweden. A combination of heavy precipitation and snowmelt is causing water levels to rise in lakes, rivers, and other water bodies.

As of May 19, the Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued the following flood warnings across the affected area through at least May 23:

• Orange flood warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Kittila, Pello, Tornio, and Ylitornio municipalities in Lapland County.

• Yellow flood warnings: Enontekio, Kolari, Muonio, and Sodankyla municipalities in Lapland County and Kuusamo and Pudasjarvi municipalities in northern North Ostrobothnia County.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued the following warnings across parts of Norrbotten County through at least May 22:

• Red high water discharge warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of the lower Torne River.

• Orange high water discharge warnings: Parts of the lower Muonio and lower Torne River.

• Yellow high water discharge warnings: Across central parts of Norrbotten County between the Pite and Muonio rivers, as well as for several other rivers in eastern and southern parts of the county.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall and further snowmelt could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Finnish Meteorological Institute
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI)