More than 100 mm of rain fell in 2 hours in parts of central Sweden on 18 August causing damaging flash floods in the counties of Dalarna and Gävleborg.
The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) said the city of Gävle in Gästrikland Region recorded 161.6 mm of rain in 24 hours to 18 August, with 101mm of that total falling in just 2 hours between 00:00 and 02:00 on 18 August. The previous highest 24 hour total for the region was 125.8 mm set in 20217.
SMHI said other areas saw high levels of rainfall including Hudiksvall, Delsbo, Ockelbo and Åmot.
Flood damage was reported in parts of Gävleborg and Dalarna Counties. Many houses in Gävleborg County were flooded and have suffered major water damage. Several roads were damaged in affected areas. One road was completely destroyed in Borlänge. Flooded railway tracks disrupted rail transport.
Schools were closed in Gävle and police asked the residents to stay at home and avoid roads. Rescue services in Gävleborg received around 400 emergency calls about floods in the area. Students have had to leave a hall of residence in Gävle after flood water washed away part of building’s foundations.
