16 Jan 2023 | 05:47 PM UTC
Sweden: Authorities maintaining flood warnings across southern regions as of Jan. 16 /update 1
Flood warnings issued across parts of southern Sweden as of Jan. 16. Disruptions ongoing across parts of the region.
Event
Flood warnings are being maintained across parts of southern Sweden as of Jan. 16 due to rising lakes, rivers, and other water bodies following a combination of rainfall and snowmelt. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued the following flood alerts across the affected area until further notice:
Red flood warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): For parts of the upper Viskan River around the city of Boras and the upper Atran River in Tranemo Municipality, both in Vastra Gotaland County.
Orange flood warnings: For the Arbogan and Dytlaan rivers around Lake Varingen in Orebro County, the Storan River in Vastervik Municipality in Kalmar County, and the lower Atran river in Vastra Gotaland County.
Orange and yellow high water discharge warnings: For multiple rivers and other water courses across the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Flooding has been reported in parts of the affected area over recent days. Several buildings have been inundated by floodwaters in parts of Jonkoping county, including Gnosjo and Nassjo municipalities. Train services have been disrupted around Kalmar due to flooding on railway lines. Services are unlikely to resume until at least Jan. 18.
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.
