Swedish transport agency on high alert as storm Dave intensifies

The Swedish Transport Administration has activated emergency preparedness as storm Dave sweeps across southern Sweden, with the worst conditions expected on Easter Sunday, reports SVT Nyheter. Authorities warn that fallen trees and high winds will disrupt road and rail traffic, urging residents in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel.

By Saturday afternoon, trees had already fallen across railway lines in parts of Småland, forcing partial closures and reduced train speeds. Some services were cancelled, though most traffic continued to operate, according to Johan Nilsson Holmqvist, the agency’s press officer.

“We know this is only the beginning,” Nilsson Holmqvist said, describing the storm as “exceptional weather.” Contractors with chainsaws have been deployed to clear fallen trees, but he acknowledged the situation remains unpredictable. “We’ve done what we can and hope it will be enough,” he added, stressing the need for rapid decision-making as conditions change.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has issued an orange warning—its second-highest alert—for coastal areas from Bohuslän to Norrköping and Örebro, where winds are expected to peak on Sunday. While gusts will remain strong on Monday, no storm warnings are in place for that day.

Road and rail sections deemed unsafe may be closed, including key bridges such as those in Uddevalla and Tjörn. The Transport Administration is coordinating with traffic operators and will post updates on its website and via local public radio (P4). Passengers are advised to check train companies’ sites for service changes.

Residents in orange-warning zones are urged to postpones non-essential trips. “Consider whether the journey is necessary now or if it can be delayed,” Nilsson Holmqvist said. Those who must travel should prepare for delays, packing food, water, and power banks in case of prolonged disruptions. “It’s a good idea to be ready for the possibility of getting stuck,” he added.