Severe flooding in Gävle and Dalarna

Traffic disruptions

The Police earlier urged the public not to venture into traffic in Gävleborg county because of the flooding. Police also urged travellers not to enter the county due to large bodies of water. 

The Transport Administration  reported major problems on roads in central Gävle and on the E16 and E4. At Gävle central station, train services were limited. City bus traffic in Gävle was completely cancelled, but the services now run again.

In Dalarna County there were problems with flooded roads. 

Home help services and the municipality

Home help services from Gävle municipality were affected by the floods. Some of the municipality's daytime activities and meeting points were temporarily closed.

Water supply

The water supply in Gästrikland were largely under control during the floodings. In Gävle, Hamrånge, Hofors and Ockelbo a slight change in colour and some cloudiness to the drinking water could be noticed, but the water was safe to drink, according to the municipal water company, Gästrike Vatten state.

School services

The first day of school for municipal schools was postponed. 

•    Primary schools and leisure time services, as well as special needs schools, were open for children in need of supervision.
 •   Municipal pre-schools were open as usual with limited operations due to the staffing situation.  

Update 18 August 07.30: The previous Important Public Announcement regarding very heavy rainfall has been replaced with a message from the authorities. The message has been issued for the Gävle area in Gävle municipality, Gävleborg County. The rescue service is still urging people to stay at home and not go outside due to significant flooding caused by heavy rains. Several viaducts and buildings have been flooded.

Original text: The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, SMHI, has issued a class 2 warning for very heavy rainfall in Gävleborg County that is in force from Tuesday until Wednesday afternoon.

When it comes to pumping water, the rescue service will prioritize buildings that are important for public safety. Only call 112 in case of emergency.

For more information, listen to Swedish Radio P4 Gävleborg (information in Swedish)

Find SMHI:s weather warnings here

Related news: Class 2 warnings for very heavy rainfall (Krisinformation.se)