As Storm Johannes continues to batter northern and central Sweden on December 27, 2025, power outages have expanded to affect up to 40,000 households, with new traffic warnings issued amid ongoing risks from falling trees. The storm has already claimed two lives, as previously reported, and is expected to abate overnight.
Following initial reports of two fatalities from falling trees in Gävleborg and Västernorrland, Storm Johannes persists with gusts up to hurricane force in mountains and coasts. Power outages now impact up to 40,000 households, primarily in Hälsingland and Dalarna, as thousands of trees down lines; Ellevio's Jesper Liveröd calls it 'very troublesome.' The Gävle goat landmark toppled around 2 p.m.
At 7 p.m., Trafikverket issued a VMA for Dalarna, Gävleborg, Västernorrland, and southern Jämtland, warning of 'obvious danger' from trees and lines; Hesa Fredrik sounded in Gävle. Roads like E4 and E16 remain blocked, trains (Gävle-Vännäs, Mittbanan) closed until December 28 noon, and bridges including Sundsvallsbron and Högakustenbron shut at winds over 30 m/s.
SMHI's orange warning holds until 11 p.m., but meteorologist Mattias Lind says the storm will ease evening/night. Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson reiterates: 'Follow the recommendation!' Rescue services in Gästrikland manage hundreds of calls, with Jimmy Andersson Taylor noting a 'tough' workload. MSB indicates road and power restoration may take days.
