Severe Winter Storm Anna Prompts Highest Weather Alert in Sweden

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued a red warning, the most serious alert level, for parts of eastern Svealand and southern Norrland as the intense winter storm Anna approaches. This rare alert signals the likelihood of unprecedented snowfall and hazardous wind conditions along the coast of Gävleborg County, with authorities warning of potentially impassable roads and widespread disruptions to daily life.

Forecasts indicate that between 40 and 60 centimeters of snow could accumulate in the affected regions by Friday morning, accompanied by strong winds that may cause significant snowdrifts. These conditions pose a substantial risk of isolating communities and preventing emergency services from reaching those in need. SMHI's current warning emphasizes that travel in the red alert areas is strongly discouraged, as movement may become impossible for at least 24 hours.

Residents in the designated red warning zone, which includes rural areas above Ockelbo and regions between Söderhamn, Bollnäs, Hudiksvall, and Ljusdal, are advised to make necessary preparations. This includes securing sufficient supplies of food and water to last throughout the storm's projected duration. The ongoing recovery from previous power outages caused by earlier storms has heightened concerns, as the incoming snowfall may exacerbate disruptions to electricity and communication networks.

Rail services will also be directly impacted by the storm. For safety reasons, train operations on the Botniabanan, Ådalsbanan, parts of the Norra stambanan, and the Ostkustbanan will be suspended starting at midday on January 1. This will affect long-distance connections, including routes between Stockholm and Åre, further complicating travel plans during the New Year period.

In southern Norrland's coastal areas, an orange warning has been posted for heavy snowfall and strong winds, while a broader yellow warning extends to regions including Stockholm, Uppsala, Gävle, Falun, Västerås, Örebro, and Sveg. The yellow warning, now expanded, covers a significant portion of central Sweden, highlighting the risk of difficult travel conditions and potential delays in clearing roads.

For those in areas under orange and yellow warnings, authorities advise exercising extreme caution when traveling and recommend staying home if possible. The combination of snowfall, wind, and already weakened trees from previous storms increases the likelihood of further power outages and road blockages.

In the southern half of Sweden, SMHI has cautioned about the potential for sudden icy conditions as rain is expected to fall on frozen surfaces, particularly in Götaland and southwestern Svealand. This may lead to dangerous road conditions, especially over the Småland highlands, where mixed precipitation is possible.

The introduction of Storm Anna also marks a change in the region's weather alert system. Beginning January 1, 2026, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark will use a unified naming convention for severe storms resulting in orange-level warnings or higher. Anna is the inaugural storm to be named under this new system.

Those planning New Year celebrations are advised that while the most severe weather is expected to develop after midnight, hazardous conditions may arise as people return home on New Year's Day. SMHI recommends monitoring official updates and refraining from unnecessary travel until conditions have improved and roads have been cleared.