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'Sweden's worst storms since Gudrun' expected

Paul O'Mahony
Paul O'Mahony - [email protected]
'Sweden's worst storms since Gudrun' expected

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued storm warnings for the coming 24 hours. It is feared that the intense low pressure front on its way in from Scotland may produce the worst storms since Gudrun, which laid waste to vast swathes of woodland in southern Sweden and left 341,00 homes without power in January 2005.

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SMHI has issued Class 1 and Class 2 warnings for most of the country. The more serious Class 2 warnings cover Jämtland in the northwest as well as large tracts in the south and west of the country.

A Class 2 warning predicts weather that may present a danger for the general public, wide scale material damage and interruptions to normal public services. SMHI encourages the public to follow developments via the internet, radio and television.

Rain is forecast for southern and central Sweden early today, while the north can expect plenty of snow later in the day. Rain in the south will grow heavier overnight and there is a risk that storm fronts may develop on Friday morning.

Tomorrow's forecast for the north, which has already been hit by unusually large amounts of snow, is for more of the same. The snow will be accompanied by strong north and north-easterly winds. The low pressure front in the south will recede, with the rain being replaced by harsh westerly winds and a risk for storm fronts.

Finally, on Saturday, there will be a welcome reprieve in the north as the snow moves away. Winds will recede and the air will become cooler, according to SMHI's meteorologist André Franke.

For the latest forecast, visit www.thelocal.se/weather

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