Storm Hans Causes Devastation and Disruption Across Northern Europe
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – The impact of Storm Hans has been felt heavily across northern Europe, with two deaths reported and widespread damage caused by heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm has wreaked havoc in countries such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, leading to cancelled ferries, delayed flights, flooded roads and streets, uprooted trees, and power outages affecting thousands.
In the capital city of Oslo, officials have advised people to work from home, as the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate warned of the potential for “extensive flooding, erosion damage, and flood damages to buildings and infrastructure.” The country’s south is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall, leading to further disruption and potential damage.
The situation in Finland is no less serious, with authorities urging residents to reconsider going out to sea. The Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District has issued this advisory due to the dangerous conditions caused by the storm.
Sweden also remains on high alert, with the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute issuing a red warning for central parts of the country. The warning indicates the likelihood of very large amounts of rain, causing extremely high flows in streams and ditches. This has already resulted in the closure of dozens of roads and the evacuation of several individuals.
Denmark has also suffered the consequences of Storm Hans, as reported by the Danish Meteorological Institute. Waves as high as 8 meters (26 feet) have been recorded, leading to beach houses being washed into the North Sea.
Tragically, Storm Hans has claimed two lives so far. In Lithuania, a 50-year-old woman was killed by falling trees near the Latvian border. In Latvia itself, a second person lost their life when a tree fell on them near the Belarus border.
The extreme weather has also caused disruptions in Estonia, with nearly 10,000 people experiencing power outages in the country. The situation in southern Norway remains critical, with authorities maintaining the highest level of alert due to heavy rain, mudslides, and flash floods.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has described the situation as “very serious” and has warned that the adverse weather is likely to persist for at least another day. Meteorologists predict that the rain will continue until Wednesday.
In light of the ongoing weather conditions, Norwegian police have issued a statement urging people to prepare for the possibility of road closures and the loss of electricity, telephone, and internet services in affected areas.
Devastating scenes have also unfolded in the Swedish ski resort town of Are, where roads and streets have been flooded. The Susaback river in Are has overflowed its banks, causing significant flooding in the downtown area.
The damage caused by Storm Hans serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for caution during extreme weather events. Authorities across northern Europe continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents and tourists to stay safe and heed all warnings and advisories.