Following initial yellow warnings, Storm Dave nears its Easter Sunday peak with upgraded orange alerts in western Sweden and red warnings in Norway. Strong winds have already caused tree falls, train cancellations, and ferry halts.
Storm Dave, originating from the British Isles, is set to peak on Easter Sunday, April 5, prompting SMHI to issue an orange warning for the Gothenburg area, northern Götaland, and southwestern Svealand from 12:00 to 02:00 early Monday. Norway's weather service has escalated to a red warning, forecasting winds up to 40 m/s in areas like Brusand after 13:00.
Impacts are already underway: Trees fell in Småland on Saturday, leading Trafikverket to close rail lines including Nässjö–Landeryd, Nässjö–Vetlanda, Jönköping–Vaggeryd, and Kalmar–Linköping until at least Monday. Multiple train services are canceled with speed restrictions in Bohuslän and Gothenburg. Stena Line has axed four ferries between Gothenburg and Fredrikshamn on Sunday and Monday.
SMHI meteorologist Christopher Greenland advises: "Take the warning seriously. If possible, stay home." Trafikverket's Johan Nilsson Holmqvist calls it "exceptional" and urges avoiding non-essential travel: "We know this is just the beginning."
In Norway's Brusand, Swede Mattias Skoglund, 48, is fortifying his property with son Liam amid the rare red alert. Local businesses like Svingel grill are shuttering. Meanwhile, Malmö FF's match against Örgryte at Gamla Ullevi (16:30) proceeds with 4,500 fans expected despite the gusts.
Insurer Folksam recommends securing loose objects and preparing for potential power outages.
