Severe storms

Severe storms can cause power cuts, traffic problems, and telecoms outages. Here is what to do before, during, and after a storm.

If a storm is forecast

Check your home. Make sure you can manage without power, water, and heat.
Secure loose items. Bring inside or tie down things like trampolines, garden furniture, and tools.
Roll in awnings. This prevents them from breaking in the wind.
Charge your devices. Make sure phones, tablets, and power banks are full.
Clear drains. If heavy rain is coming, clean out gutters and drains to prevent flooding.
Stay updated. Check the weather forecast on the SMHI website.

Stay indoors. Wind can blow down trees and branches that might hurt you.
Close up. Make sure all windows and doors are shut tight.
Do not drive. Fallen trees and lampposts can block roads and make driving dangerous.
Listen to the radio. Tune in to Sveriges Radio P4 for updates. Normally, the broadcast will be in Swedish. For updated information in English, use Krisinformation.se, or call 113 13 for information on the phone.

Go inside. Never stand in open fields, under trees, or near tall objects.
Stay off the water. Get out of lakes or sea immediately.
Unplug electronics. Pull out power cords for TVs and computers so they do not break.
Count the seconds. Three seconds between the flash and thunder means the storm is one kilometer away.
Wait it out. It is usually safe 30 minutes after the last flash or sound of thunder.

Stay inside at first. Wait until you are sure the wind has fully stopped.
Avoid fallen power lines. Never go near wires that have fallen to the ground. They can kill you.
Watch out in the woods. Damaged trees can fall without warning.

Krisinformation.se gathers information from Swedish authorities. All source pages are in Swedish.