Hazardous driving conditions in central Finland as gusty winds risk damage

Driving conditions are extremely poor in parts of central Finland on Saturday, with heavy snowfall and strong winds causing hazards, public broadcaster Yle reports.

Meteorologist Matti Huutonen told Yle that up to 10 centimetres of snow has fallen along the Kokkola–Kuopio line, with more expected through Saturday afternoon and evening. The snowfall is moving quickly across the country, and clearer weather is forecast for Sunday.

The most severe conditions are in western North Ostrobothnia, Central Finland, North Savo, and North Karelia, where driving conditions are described as extremely hazardous for the entire day. Snow and sleet are falling heavily in many areas, reducing visibility.

Winds are expected to strengthen overnight between Saturday and Sunday, with gusts reaching 20 metres per second inland. Coastal areas may experience storm-force winds exceeding 21 m/s, the threshold for a storm warning. Huutonen warned that the gusty northern winds could cause damage, particularly as the ground is no longer frozen, making trees more vulnerable to uprooting.

In southern Finland, light sleet or snow may fall overnight. By Sunday morning, the precipitation will have largely moved eastward, though eastern and southeastern regions may still see snow, further worsening road conditions.

Temperatures will remain near freezing on Sunday, with southern Finland possibly reaching around 5°C, while other areas stay below zero.