A significant winter storm is on the horizon, poised to complicate the already hectic post-holiday travel scene.
A storm named Hannes is advancing from the Northwest, expected to sweep across Finland on Saturday, unleashing powerful winds, particularly in the western and northern regions of the country. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), the impact of Hannes will begin to be felt after midday, with gusty northwesterly winds intensifying as the evening approaches.
Meteorologists predict wind speeds of 20 to 25 meters per second, with the fiercest gusts along the west coast potentially exceeding 25 meters per second. The most severe conditions are anticipated to develop during the evening and extend into the night.
At sea, the storm is expected to be exceptionally fierce, with average wind speeds surpassing 25 meters per second across extensive portions of the water. This qualifies as a severe storm, and some gusts could reach heights of 35 meters per second, temporarily exceeding Finland’s threshold for hurricane-force winds, which is set at 33 meters per second.
In addition to the winds, Hannes will deliver heavy snow and sleet, significantly deteriorating driving conditions—particularly in northern Finland, where accumulations may reach up to 20 centimeters in just one day. Visibility is also set to plummet in western and central areas of the country.
Compounding the storm’s impact, Saturday is projected to be the peak day for travelers returning home after the Christmas holidays. As many head back to work and school, the combination of adverse weather with heavy road congestion poses a serious challenge for those on the move.