Sweden is preparing to suspend trains on several routes as Storm Boelo approaches its west coast early on Sunday, October 25. Weather warnings cover stretches of the coast and the islands of Öland and Gotland, with strong winds and rain expected to disrupt travel.

The Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket, said more rail closures could be announced at short notice. Wind and rain could also make roads harder to navigate, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of aquaplaning.

Unusual wind direction raises the risk of falling trees

Sweden’s weather agency, SMHI, forecasts that Boelo will move from the west coast along the southern coast. Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost county, neighbouring Blekinge and the Baltic islands of Öland and Gotland are among the areas expected to be affected.

Gusts over land are forecast to reach 20–25 metres per second, with the strongest winds near the coast. Parts of the west coast and Skåne could receive about 30 millimetres of rain on Sunday.

SMHI meteorologist Hilda Westberg said the southeasterly wind direction was unusual for winds of this strength. Trees could fall more easily than in the more familiar westerly or southwesterly winds, she said.

Fallen trees and branches could block roads, while the weather could disrupt electricity and telecommunications networks. Trafikverket said warnings also covered parts of the Svealand coast in central Sweden and eastern Västernorrland County, farther north.

Rail shutdowns planned, with ferry departures changed

Trafikverket has scheduled closures on four rail routes: Kristianstad–Karlskrona, Karlskrona–Emmaboda, Håkantorp–Gårdsjö and Kil–Torsby. It said the shutdowns were intended to prevent trains becoming stranded, including if strong winds cut power to overhead lines.

There is conflicting information about when services between Kristianstad and Karlskrona should resume. Trafikverket’s timetable lists a closure from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday, Swedish local time (CET). Dagens Nyheter and Sydsvenskan give a later reopening time of 3 p.m.

The Håkantorp–Gårdsjö closure is scheduled to last until noon on Monday, October 26. All closed lines must be inspected before trains can run again, Trafikverket said.

Sixteen ferry departures to and from Gotland have been changed because of the storm warning, Dagens Nyheter reported, citing local news outlet Hela Gotland. Regional transport operator Västtrafik also said Sunday services could be affected. Strong winds may disrupt traffic on bridges and road ferries, Trafikverket said.

Coastal flooding risk extends beyond Sunday

SMHI has issued a yellow warning for elevated water levels on the west coast north of Helsingborg. Low-lying quays, roads and buildings could flood, while moored vessels could suffer damage.

Higher water could also reduce clearance under bridges and cause erosion along vulnerable stretches of coast. The warning runs through the night into Tuesday, October 27.

Winds are forecast to ease somewhat during Sunday morning but remain strong through the day and into Monday, when they are expected to turn westerly. Trafikverket urged travellers to check weather forecasts and service information before setting out, as restrictions may change at short notice.