Driving conditions are very challenging.
UPDATE: 14:40
Buses getting back to normal
"The buses will soon return to regular departures," announced Jens Mårtensson, communications manager at Skellefteå Buss. "The weather is starting to improve, and we will eventually return to normal. Route 207 will resume service at 16:15, but will only run between E4 Skellefteå and Bureå, and between E4 Bureå and Lövånger until Sunday. Routes 2 and 3 will return to their regular routes at 17:00" he wrote in an email
UPDATE: 13:45
More than 3,000 households without power
The number of households affected by power outages has increased slightly this morning. As of now, 3,178 of Skellefteå Kraft’s customers are without electricity.
The company announced at 9:00 that crews are working diligently, but conditions remain challenging. All available teams are deployed across the affected areas.
UPDATE: 12:40
Downgrade of warning
As of noon on Friday, SMHI has downgraded the weather warning for the region from orange to yellow. The yellow warning will remain in effect until 15:00.
According to SMHI, the warning indicates "occasional intense snowfall and windy conditions, which may lead to traffic disruptions due to snowdrifts."
Snowfall is expected to moderate throughout the area, with an additional 5-10 centimetres of snow possible during the afternoon.
UPDATE: 12:10
Advice for Northvolt employees
Skellefteå Buss has temporarily rerouted Route 3, which runs from Mekanvägen to Nyckelgatan.
The bus will now travel via Svedjevägen/Risbergsgatan instead of Torsgatan.
Skellefteå Buss advises Northvolt employees to disembark at Voltgatan.
UPDATE: 11:20
Skellefteå Kraft to use helicopters
Throughout the night, crews have been working to repair electrical faults wherever possible.
– Given the weather conditions, our crews have had to continuously assess safety risks, says Evalena Karlsson of Skellefteå Kraft.
The company has reinforced its workforce with additional help from other electricity companies.
– We have crews working on all lines experiencing outages. It's a dynamic situation, and we also have forestry machines clearing roads, she explains.
As soon as weather conditions permit, Skellefteå Kraft plans to deploy two helicopters to survey the transmission lines.
– This will allow us to quickly identify areas requiring repair, such as breaks caused by fallen trees, says Karlsson. The hope is that the helicopters can take flight on Saturday.
Many customers have been without power for an extended period. When asked about restoration times, Karlsson stated:
– We understand the difficulties this causes for everyone affected. We're prioritising repairs to restore power to as many people as possible. While we can't provide an exact timeline, our crews are working diligently, and with daylight now, we aim to restore power to as many customers as possible today, provided the number of outages doesn't increase.
Update from Skellefteå Buss
As of 10 AM on Friday, Skellefteå Buss has made the following decisions regarding bus service due to the ongoing storm:
- Routes 225 and 226: Operating on the regular timetable.
- Route 207 Bureå: Resumed at 4 PM.
- Route 220 Örviken: Resumed at 3:30 PM.
- Route 219 Ragvaldsträsk: Canceled for the entire day.
- Route 2 (Does not enter Ursviken): Disrupted until further notice.
UPDATE: 09:10
Morning summary
SMHI has issued an orange warning for Skellefteå and Robertsfors from midnight to noon on Friday. This severe weather alert has led to significant disruptions in the region:
- Travel restrictions: Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Disruptions may occur on roads, public transportation, electricity, and telephone networks.
- School closures: High schools in Skellefteå will be closed, with remote learning taking place. School buses to primary schools are cancelled, but schools remain open for students who can attend in person.
- Snow removal efforts: Skellefteå municipality has deployed 80 snowploughs to clear roads starting at 3 am.
- Newspaper delivery canceled: Friday’s edition of Norran will not be delivered in Skellefteå and Norsjö municipalities.
- Emergency services: The Swedish Transport Administration has sent three additional tracked vehicles to assist with urgent matters, such as patient transport.
- Business and service disruptions: Degermyran’s recycling center is closed. Skellefteå Buss has canceled several regional bus routes in the morning.
- Utility services: Skellefteå Kraft has mobilised additional resources, including forestry machines, to clear fallen trees and restore power.
UPDATE: 18:45
The storm has already begun to increase intensity in the region between Skellefteå and south of Robertsfors. Starting at midnight, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has upgraded the warning level from yellow to orange.
In response to the severe weather, emergency services are bolstering their response capabilities.
– We're adding extra tracked vehicles (trucks that look a little like tanks) from Trafikverket to our fleet, says Ola Lindström of Skellefteå emergency services.
– In addition to our own tracked vehicle, we're receiving three more from Trafikverket, which will arrive tonight.
The additional tracked vehicles will be used to assist with critical tasks, such as:
- Medical transport: Transporting patients in urgent situations.
- Home care support: Assisting home care workers in reaching residents during severe weather.
Lindström emphasises the importance of being prepared for potential worst-case scenarios, and the tracked vehicles will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Editor's note: Tracked vehicles are military or civilian vehicles that use caterpillar tracks instead of wheels for mobility. These vehicles are designed to provide stability and traction on uneven or soft terrain, such as mud, snow, or sand. They are often used in search and rescue operations.
UPDATE: 18:35
Skellefteå Buss cancels departures tomorrow due to severe weather
Skellefteå Buss has made the decision to cancel several departures for tomorrow, Friday, due to the severe weather conditions.
– According to all forecasts, and with the warning level now raised to orange, it will be extremely difficult to operate buses safely tomorrow, says Jens Mårtensson of Skellefteå Buss.
The cancellations primarily affect regional routes, which are more susceptible to heavy snowfall and drifting conditions. City traffic and the airport bus are expected to continue operating as usual.
The following lines will not be in operation on Friday until 10:00:
- 207 Bureå
- 225 Burträsk
- 226 Burträsk
- 229 Bygdsiljum
- 219 Ragvaldsträsk
After 10:00, a new assessment of the situation will be made. Factors such as ploughing efforts and wind direction will be considered in determining whether service can resume.
Drivers have expressed concerns about the challenging conditions.
– Visibility is the biggest issue right now, and it's a major safety hazard, says one driver.
– We prioritise safety and would rather cancel trips than risk accidents.
Skellefteå Buss maintains open communication with drivers through various channels. They share information about road conditions and receive updates from drivers on the ground.
Mårtensson acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the cancellations.
– We apologize to our passengers for any disruptions. Our top priority is safety, and we believe our customers understand that. However, we know it's frustrating when a bus doesn't show up.
UPDATE: 16:25
Schools update for Friday
Snowy weather is expected to continue on Friday, impacting school operations.
Upper secondary school:
The school management has decided that classes will be held remotely on Friday due to the significant impact the weather is expected to have on road conditions and students’ ability to travel to school.
Students should log in to Teams at the start of their lesson to receive further instructions from their teachers. Attendance will be recorded during lessons as usual.
Primary school:
All school transportation, including buses and taxis, is cancelled on Friday. However, all primary schools and after-school centres will remain open for students who can make their way to school.
The municipality asks guardians to report their child’s absence if they cannot attend school on Friday.
– We understand that not all students will be able to attend. Students who are unable to get to school will not be marked absent, writes the municipality.
UPDATE: 15:36
Snow chaos disrupts flights in and out of Skellefteå
A flight scheduled to arrive in Skellefteå at 15:15 and depart for Stockholm at 15:45 has been cancelled due to heavy snowfall in Stockholm.
– It's not the snow here in Skellefteå that's causing the problem, but rather the conditions at Arlanda Airport, explained Robert Lindberg, CEO of Skellefteå Airport.
– With Arlanda's high volume of departures, even moderate snowfall can lead to significant disruptions and delays.
Norwegian's flight from Stockholm, originally scheduled to land in Skellefteå at 17:25, has also been affected. The current estimated arrival time is 17:50.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, Skellefteå Airport has managed to keep operations running smoothly.
– Clearing over 110,000 square meters of snow has been a Herculean effort by our staff, said Lindberg.
– However, with fewer departures than a major hub like Arlanda, we've been able to avoid significant disruptions.
To ensure minimal impact on future flights, the airport team is working tirelessly to keep the runways clear.
– We're experienced in handling snow, and we're committed to maintaining operations, said Lindberg.
– However, we urge all travellers to monitor their airline's websites for the most up-to-date flight information.
UPDATE: 14:25
Umeå hit hard
The snowstorm has wreaked havoc in Umeå, causing widespread disruption, VK reports. A passenger bus overturned into a ditch near the Avion shopping centre, fortunately, injuring no one. Six people were on board at the time of the accident.
Several bus routes have been cancelled due to impassable roads and inaccessible bus stops. A roof was ripped off a building adjacent to the Circle K petrol station on Storgatan, landing in a nearby yard.
Home care services in Umeå have been severely affected by the weather. Extra staff have been called in, and residents are urged to check on elderly neighbors. The recycling center in Tavelsjö has been closed, and garbage collection has been delayed or canceled.
Residents have reported numerous instances of fallen trees and overturned structures. In Ostnäs, a village outside Sävar, many trees have been uprooted, causing damage to homes.
– We live near the old Holmö ferry route, said Mariin Sihlén, a local resident.
– All the trees along the beach have been blown over, and at least two neighbors have had trees fall on their houses.
UPDATE: 13:52
Skellefteå Buss cancels routes
Due to severe weather conditions, Skellefteå Buss has announced the cancellation of the following regional lines until 15:00:
- Line 219 Ragvaldsträsk
- Line 225 Burträsk via Skråmträsk
- Line 226 Burträsk
A decision on the status of evening services will be made at 15:00.
Road Conditions:
- E4 Southbound: The E4 southbound route is expected to be passable.
- Old E4 (824): The old E4 (824) remains impassable. As a result, Line 207 will only operate via the E4 route.
Rail and Bus Transfers:
Passengers planning to travel by train to Bastuträsk can expect bus service, possibly supplemented by taxi, to be available.
UPDATE: 12:56
The number of households without electricity fell to 5,200 but has since risen to 5,700. New power outages have occurred in villages northeast of Lövånger, affecting nearly 200 households from Fällbyn in the north to Gammelbyn and Blackhamn in the south.
Additionally, approximately 150 households in villages west of Jörn, including Granbergsträsk and Älgträsk, have experienced a new power outage.
Skellefteå Kraft reports in a press release that crews are on-site at nearly all affected lines. The company stated, "We are working to identify and rectify the issues. However, conditions remain challenging, and there may be areas where weather conditions hinder repair efforts."
UPDATE: 12:40
Canceled school buses
At the following schools, all school transport is canceled and guardians must collect their children from school themselves:
- Björnåkerskolan
- Bureskolan
- Bygdsiljumskolan
- Hjoggböleskolan
- Lövångerskolan
- Skråmträskskolan
- Sörböleskolan
- Tuböleskolan
At the following schools, the school shuttle home is earlier and departs at lunchtime
- Ersmarksskolan
- Byskeskolan
- Drängsmarksskolan
- Kusmarksskolan
- Kågeskolan
- Lejonsströmsskolan
- Medleskolan
- Norrhammarskolan
- Sjungande dalens skola
The following villages are not served by the school buses, and guardians of children living in these villages need to pick up the children themselves.
- Södra Svedjan and in the direction of Norrlångträsk and Storkågeträsk
- Spisen, Bäckänget and Ersmarksbodarna
- Åliden, Norra Bergfors, Bjurån
- Orrliden, Stavbäck, Klutmark station
According to the municipality, it is also likely that Friday's school buses will be affected.
UPDATE: 11:42
SMHI has issued an orange warning for snow storms in the following area:
The orange warning area could have as much as 50cm of snow over the next 24 hours.
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 emergency 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 minimise disruptions and restore power, says Elin Ala of Skellefteå Kraft.
She emphasises 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.