Storm Dave brings severe winds to Sweden over Easter weekend

Storm Dave is continuing its path across Sweden, with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issuing an orange-level weather warning for parts of western Sweden on Easter Sunday.

Strong winds are expected to sweep across southwestern Götaland and southwestern Svealand from midday, according to SMHI meteorologist Magnus Nilsson Sangrud. “It will be extremely windy—it’s best to stay indoors,” he said.

The storm, currently positioned west of Denmark, is moving toward Sweden, with northern Götaland and the southwestern coast expected to be hardest hit. Cities including Gothenburg, Trollhättan, Uddevalla, Borås, and Jönköping will face the strongest winds from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. The orange warning remains in effect until 2 a.m. Monday.

By Sunday evening, high winds may also affect northeastern Götaland, most of Örebro County, parts of Södermanland and Västmanland counties, and southern Stockholm County, where a yellow warning is in place. SMHI advises residents to stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel.

“Make sure to secure or bring in loose items like trampolines,” Nilsson Sangrud warned. Wind speeds along parts of the Bohuslän coast, including Orust and Tjörn, could exceed 30 meters per second, though no red alert—the highest warning level—has been issued yet.

Transport disruptions expected

The Swedish Transport Administration has activated emergency preparedness measures, deploying contractors with chainsaws to clear fallen trees. “We’ve done what we can and hope it’s enough,” said spokesman Johan Nilsson Holmqvist.

Road and rail routes where safety cannot be guaranteed may close, including the Uddevalla and Tjörn bridges. Updates will be posted on the Transport Administration’s website and local public radio stations. Passengers in affected areas are advised to check train operators’ websites for delays or cancellations.

For those who must travel, Nilsson Holmqvist recommended preparing for potential delays: “Bring food and power banks in case you get stuck.”

Ferry operator Stena Line and regional transit providers Västtrafik and Länstrafiken Jönköping have already canceled or delayed multiple services on Sunday.