Storm Johannes sweeps through Norrland, causing power outages for tens of thousands of households, especially in Västerbotten and Hälsingland. A man has died in a storm-related accident, and train services are suspended on several routes. Many residents are preparing for a night without electricity.
Storm Johannes, which SMHI has warned about with orange alerts, reaches the Norrland coast with gusts up to 25 meters per second. In Yttertavle outside Umeå, Karin Lexberg, 54, and Hans Karlsson, 55, have been without power since noon on Saturday. Their home is one of about 40,000 households in Sweden affected, mainly due to trees falling on power lines. "It's damn windy," says Karin, who lights lanterns and has prepared with batteries, canned food, and water. The couple heard a bang during a walk with their dog Eddie – likely from blasting trees to protect power company workers.
On Holmön, Olle Nygren has also been without power all day. "You have to stock up on kerosene lamps and candles," he says. In Holmsund, Nina Karlsson, 51, warms glühwein on the fireplace while waiting for electricity, which was out for a day last year.
Power grid operator Ellevio reports nearly 40,000 customers affected in Hälsingland and Dalarna. "It's very troublesome, especially in Hälsingland," says press chief Jesper Liveröd, warning that repairs could take over a week due to harsh weather. Eon has 13,000 customers without power and Härjeån 5,000.
The storm has led to a fatal accident in Härnösand, where an employee at Hemab was crushed by a tree during cleanup work. "He was taken to hospital in Sundsvall, but his life could not be saved," says Fredrik Olsson at Hemab. Rescue services in Västerbotten are handling accidents with trees on cars and long queues on the E4. Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson (KD) urges people to stay indoors: "Follow the recommendation!"
Trafikverket has closed several train routes, including Gävle-Vännäs and the Main Line, until 12:00 on December 28. A VMA has been issued for hazardous roads in several counties.
