Storm Anna has brought extreme snow and winds to Sweden on New Year's Day, worsening conditions in Gävleborg after SMHI's red warning. Thousands of households lost power, repairs were halted for safety, and trains and buses face major cancellations amid impassable roads.
Building on earlier warnings, Storm Anna—following Storm Johannes—intensified on New Year's Day evening, with peak conditions hitting Gävleborg. SMHI meteorologist Emma Härenstam noted at 6:30 p.m.: "We are right in the middle of the most intense weather right now."
The county saw up to half a meter of snow inland, heightening risks from vulnerable trees. Power outages affected thousands; by 10 p.m., 3,500 Ellevio customers were without electricity, peaking above 4,000. Many outages persisted from Saturday. Ellevio paused repairs due to dangers, per press chief Jesper Liveröd: "We had to interrupt work for the day... We cannot expose those working in the field to danger." Repairs resume Friday at 6:30 a.m., but full restoration may take days.
Police and Trafikverket urged staying indoors amid impassable roads. All trains between Stockholm and Sundsvall are canceled until late Friday, with lines closed. Bus traffic in Hälsingland is suspended. Gästrike rescue service reported a quiet evening, duty officer Niklas Hammarlund saying: "I think people understand now and are taking the storm seriously."
Orange and yellow warnings continue across Svealand, Norrland, and Götaland, lifting Friday morning with more snow forecast.
