As Storm Johannes continues to disrupt Sweden following initial power outages and fatalities, new challenges emerge: dangerous tree clearance delays restoration, a cruise ship faces terror at sea, a ski resort is hit hard, and insurers prepare to cover most damages without force majeure.
Storm Johannes, which battered northern and central Sweden on December 28-29 with winds rivaling past major storms, has led to thousands of fallen trees blocking power lines. In Västernorrland, Eon is intensively clearing areas like Åstön in Timrå, but regional manager Peter Hjalmar warns restoration may extend into New Year's weekend due to dangers like trees snapping back during work.
An 81-year-old man, Lars-Göran Westerlund, narrowly escaped harm when a 20-meter pine crashed onto his property, burying his Toyota under branches. "Lucky I have another car!" he said.
At sea, a Viking Line cruise to Turku turned chaotic for a family amid violent rocking; passengers clung to furniture as glass shattered and injuries occurred, including a facial blow and sprained ankle. Communications chief Eleonora Hansi insists safety was prioritized with no official injuries reported, while other sailings were canceled.
Kungsberget ski resort saw hundreds of trees down across slopes, lifts, and equipment. CEO Joakim Carlsson called it unprecedented: "No one here has experienced anything like it."
Insurers cannot claim force majeure. Home policies cover tree damage to homes, outage-related pipe bursts or spoiled food, but not tree removal. Expert Peter Stark from Konsumenternas Försäkringsbyrå notes reduced payouts possible for negligence like unsecured awnings.
