A storm swept across southwestern Sweden on Monday, leaving 33,000 households in the region without power by 6:00 PM local time, but no reported casualties.

 

On Monday afternoon, winds sped up to 31 meters per second, ripping house roofs and uprooting trees. Winds continued to whip into southern Sweden and the strength was expected to peak at night.

 

Local meteorological services have issued a third-degree weather warning.

 

According to the National Meteorological Service of Sweden, the fierce storm built up as a consequence of the low air pressure over Britain, reaching southwestern Sweden on Sunday night. Some cities in the region had to call off the planned fireworks parties during the New Year celebrations.

 

At the beginning of 2005, hurricane strength winds battered southern Sweden, leaving seven people dead, as road and rail traffic was disrupted in the deadliest storm since 1969.

 

The powerful storm also left more than 400,000 homes without electricity, and the damage in the country was estimated at billions of Swedish kronas (6.9 Swedish krona equates one US dollars).

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2007)