Smhi has issued three yellow warnings for heavy snowfall in Västra and Södra Götaland. Up to 30 centimeters of snow is expected locally, with risks of traffic disruptions on Wednesday and Thursday. Meteorologist Toni Fuentes warns of gusts that could worsen the situation.
On Wednesday, Smhi has issued three warnings for snowfall in Västra Götaland, including an extra warning west of Lake Vänern, and in the inner parts of Södra Götaland. In these areas, 5 to 10 centimeters of snow is expected, but locally it could be significantly more – up to 20–30 centimeters around Säffle and Lake Vänern.
"Especially the warning around Säffle could expect a bit more. We have written that it could come up to 20–30 centimeters there", says Toni Fuentes, meteorologist at Smhi. He emphasizes that the snow falls over a short period, which could cause traffic problems.
The snowfall in Västra Götaland starts on Wednesday morning and lasts until evening, while in Södra Götaland it begins in the evening and continues until Thursday morning. There, 5–10 centimeters are also expected, locally more, along with fresh gusts.
"It will be noticeable. There could be fresh gusts and locally strong gusts in connection with the snowfall. That is also something that affects whether it becomes difficult for traffic", explains Fuentes. The weather comes from a low-pressure system in northern Germany moving in from the southwest and passing southern Sweden, with the worst conditions on Thursday when it becomes windier.
The Swedish Transport Administration and Smhi warn of longer travel times due to slippery roads, poor visibility, and snow drift. There is a risk of delays in public transport and difficulties getting through on roads. The snow will likely stay for a few days due to cold air and sub-zero temperatures, at least until the weekend.
The weather could also affect larger parts of Götaland and eastern Svealand, even though the warnings mainly apply to the specified areas. According to Tv4, there is a risk of snow cannons on Thursday in northern Sweden, such as the southern Norrland coast and Gulf of Bothnia, with up to 20 centimeters of snow locally.