Estonia, Finland, Sweden: Adverse winter weather forecast across several regions through at least Nov. 22

Adverse weather conditions are forecast to continue across much of Estonia and Finland, as well as parts of coastal eastern and northern Sweden, through at least Nov. 22. A storm system named Jari is expected to bring a broad swath of snowfall from southwestern to eastern regions of Finland between late Nov. 20 and late Nov. 21. Snowfall accumulations of 5-15 cm (2.0-4.9 inches) are possible in many areas where snowfall occurs, with accumulations up to 30 cm (11.8 inches) possible in inland areas of southern Finland. Strong winds are expected in southern and central regions; winds gusting up to 116 kph (31 mph) are possible near coastal areas. Flight and ferry operators had already announced disruptions and cancellations as of late Nov. 20. As of late Nov. 20, approximately 71,588 Finnish residents were without power. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

The Estonian Environmental Agency (ILM) has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Orange wind warning (third on a four-tier scale): Hiiu, Parnu, and Saare counties through the morning of Nov. 21.

• Yellow wind warning: Harju, Ida-Viru, Jarva, Jogeva ,Laane, Laane-Viru, Polva, Rapla, Tartu, Valga, Vijandi, and Voru counties through the mroning of Nov. 21.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Red wave height warning (the highest on a four-tier scale): Northern Sea of Bothnia and Southern Sea of Bothnia through 23:59 Nov. 21.

• Orange wind warning: Across Central Finland, Central Ostrobothnia, Etela-Savo, North Karelia, Pirkanmaa, Pohjois-Savo, Satakunta, and South Ostrobothnia through 23:59 Nov. 21.

• Orange wave height warning: Across Western Part of the Northern Baltic, Eastern Part of the Northern Baltic, Western Gulf of Finland, and Eastern Gulf of Finland through 23:59 Nov. 20.

• Orange traffic weather warning: Across Kanta-Hame, Kymenlaakso, Paijat-Hame, Sea of Aland, South Karelia, Varsinais-Suomi, and Uusimaa through 23:59 Nov. 21. The same warning is also in effect for Enontekio, Inari, and Utsjoki 00:01-23:59 Nov. 22.

• Yellow traffic weather warning: Across Inari, Kainuu, Kemjarvi, Kuusamo, Pelkosenniemi, Posio, Pudasjarvi, Ranua, Rovaniemi, Salla, Savukoski, Simo, Sodankyla, Taivalkoski, Tervola, Utsjoki, Western Part of Northern Ostrobothnia, and Ylitornio 00:01-23:59 Nov. 21.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued the following weather warnings:

• Orange snow and wind warning (third on a four-tier scale): Gavleborg county through 03:00 Nov. 30

• Yellow snow and wind warning: Northern Svealand (through 12:00 Nov. 21), Northern Svealand and southern Norrland coast (through 09:00 Nov. 21), and Vasterbotten's coastal region (through 06:00 Nov. 22).

Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Precipitation is expected to fall as snow in many areas over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected areas.

The adverse weather will likely cause ground, maritime, and air transport disruptions in parts of the country over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the worst affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in areas where heavy rainfall occurs.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.