The orange warning area could have as much as 50cm of snow over the next 24 hours.
UPDATE: 11:42
SMHI has issued an orange warning for snow storms in the following area:
SMHI has issued an orange warning for intense snowfall and strong winds, effective from midnight until noon tomorrow. Some areas could see up to 50 centimeters of fresh snow.
SMHI advises against unnecessary travel and warns of potential disruptions:
- Hazardous road conditions: Heavy snowfall, drifting snow, and poor visibility can make driving extremely difficult.
- Traffic delays and cancellations: Public transportation may experience delays or cancellations.
- Power outages: Areas with overhead power lines may experience power outages and telecommunications disruptions.
It is crucial to avoid downed power lines and stay informed about the latest weather conditions.
UPDATE: 11:04
Up to 40cms of snow now forecast
SMHI is considering raising its weather warning from yellow to orange.
– We're already seeing conditions that are somewhere between yellow and orange, says meteorologist Linnea Rehn Wittskog.
– Heavy snowfall is ongoing and expected to continue for some time.
The current warning was extended late Wednesday evening and is in effect until Friday lunchtime.
– The snowfall is expected to gradually ease off by tomorrow lunchtime, but it might not completely stop until later, says Rehn Wittskog.
Coastal areas could see up to 30 centimeters of fresh snow, while areas around Skellefteå may experience up to 40 centimeters or more.
UPDATE: 10:55
Reschedule any non-essential plans and avoid driving
E4 has been reopened.
However, the rescue services have had a busy morning responding to numerous accidents and fallen trees in Bureå and Lövånger.
– It doesn't look like the weather will improve, says Daniel Andersson, a spokesperson for the Skellefteå rescue service.
– We've been warned that the weather alert may soon be upgraded from yellow to orange.
An orange weather warning indicates that people should consider staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary travel.
– It's not just about getting out safely, but also about being able to get home safely, Andersson warns.
He urges the public to reschedule any non-essential plans, avoid driving, and reduce speed and increase distance between vehicles if they must travel.
– Visibility is poor, and strong winds and drifting snow will significantly impact road conditions, he says.
– The most important thing is to stay safe and avoid unnecessary risks.
Despite the increased workload, the rescue service is managing the situation. However, Andersson acknowledges that the emergency services in Lövånger and Bureå have been particularly hard-hit and may require additional support.
UPDATE: 10:40
New power outages: Over 5,800 households affected
The number of households without electricity continues to climb. A recent power outage has impacted Östra Högkulla north of Norsjö. Additionally, a larger outage has affected Furuögrund and Sörsidan south of Buske, leaving over 300 households without power.
As a result, the total number of households experiencing power outages has surpassed 5,800.
UPDATE: 10:25
E4 is closed
The E4 Is completely closed north of Lövånger due to fallen trees, the Swedish Transport Administration reports. The trees likely fell between the Missjön and Bodan Östra traffic areas.
Crews are currently en route to clear the road. The estimated time for the traffic disruption to end is 11:00.
UPDATE: 10:10
"Do you need to drive?"
During the morning, the severe weather conditions have disrupted traffic in several areas. Trafikverket has advised people to monitor weather warnings and carefully consider the need for car travel.
Current road conditions. Roads in red are best avoided.
Press communicator Katarina Wolffram warns of potential traffic delays:
– It doesn't necessarily have to be your own car that's involved in an accident. Even a truck stuck on the opposite side of the road can cause significant delays.
UPDATE: 09:26
As of now, 5,600 Skellefteå Kraft customers are without power.
– We're deploying all available personnel to minimize disruptions and restore power, says Elin Ala of Skellefteå Kraft.
She emphasizes that they will do everything possible to fix the electrical issues, but only if it can be done safely.
– We'll start as soon as weather conditions allow. The safety of our employees is paramount, she says.
Is it possible that some households could be without power all day?
– There's always a risk, as we can't control the weather. But we're doing everything we can, she explains.
– It's going to be a challenging day. The conditions are tough out there.
What message do you have for those who are currently without power?
– We understand how difficult it is to be without power. We're all battling against the weather today.
UPDATE: 08:20
During the night, several power outages occurred in Skellefteå municipality. On Thursday morning, nearly 4,800 households were affected.
UPDATE: 19:20
The snowstorm has arrived earlier than expected. There have already been several car accidents, and some rural roads are experiencing drifting snow. The centre of Skellefteå has also been the scene of some traffic problems caused by the snow.
Car chaos in central Skellefteå.
UPDATE: 18:30
A yellow warning has also been issued for intense snowfall and strong winds during Thursday. The warning applies from Thursday night until Friday morning. It stretches along large parts of the Västerbotten coast, from Kåge in the north to Umeå in the south.
Car journeys may be tough due to snow on the roads. SMHI also flags that there may be other problems due to traffic accidents and stationary vehicles.
"Travel times can be longer due to drifting, slipping, poor visibility and snow drifts. Allow more time for your journey and adjust your speed to road conditions and visibility," writes SMHI in the warning.
Are you affected by the storm? Get in touch with us via tipsa@norran.se or 0910-578 00.