Following initial orange and yellow warnings, SMHI has issued a top-level red weather warning for extreme snowfall in Gävleborg on New Year's Day 2026. Named Storm Anna, it could dump up to 60 cm of snow, prompting police and Trafikverket to urge staying home amid risks of impassable roads, power outages, and delayed rescues.
The snowstorm set to disrupt Sweden's New Year's weekend has intensified. SMHI's red warning—its highest level—targets Gävleborg from north of Ockelbo to Bergsjö, effective 3 p.m. January 1 to 7 a.m. January 2. Expect extreme snowfall up to six decimeters and heavy drifting, potentially isolating households, says meteorologist Viktor Bergman.
Orange and yellow warnings persist for snowfall, strong winds, and icy roads from Sundsvall south to Örebro, including Götaland and southern Norrland. Police highlight impassable roads, especially smaller ones with hidden fallen trees under snow, prolonged rescues, power/telecom outages in overhead-line areas, and advise against non-essential travel.
Trafikverket has mobilized snowplows, snowmobiles, and heavy wreckers in Gävle and northern coasts. "Red warnings demand staying off roads," says press communicator Veronika Gustafsson. Public transport faces delays and cancellations.
Meteorologist Mattias Lind warns of road issues through the weekend, while Hilda Westberg notes up to 10 cm in northern Örebro County as 'troublesome.'
