Weather warnings
Weather warnings may be issued for storms, heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and lightning. SMHI also issues warnings regarding high water levels, which may result in flooding.
Fire risks and high temperatures
SMHI also issues warnings for potential forest or brush fires, and for high temperatures that are expected to affect people's health. This mainly applies to elderly and sick people.
Warnings are published in Swedish and English on SMHI's website no later than 24 hours before the warning goes into effect. Swedish media usually provide information about weather warnings when severe disruptions are expected.
SMHI's warning classification
Weather warning class 1 is the lowest class of warning. This kind of warning means that the weather could lead to risks to public safety and disruption of some public services.
Weather warning class 2 is the second highest class of warning. This kind of warning means that the weather could be dangerous to people, cause considerable structural damage, and significant disruption of important public services, such as electricity, phone service and transportation. The general public is urged to monitor new information via Internet, radio or TV.
Weather warning class 3 is the most serious class of warning. This kind of warning means that there is a risk of extreme weather that could be very dangerous to the general public and cause major disruptions to important public services. The general public is urged to monitor new information via Internet, radio or TV.