Severe Flooding Hits Gothenburg Amid Intense Rainstorm

Gothenburg faces severe flooding and disruptions due to heavy rainfall on July 15, 2025.

Key Points

  • • Gothenburg experiencing severe flooding after heavy rainfall on July 15, 2025.
  • • Gothia Cup matches were suspended for safety due to weather conditions.
  • • Significant flooding reported in Nordstan, impacting local businesses and roads.
  • • Rescue operations included saving a horse trapped in mud; authorities are on high alert.

On July 15, 2025, Gothenburg was struck by a severe weather event that brought heavy rains and intense thunderstorms, leading to widespread flooding and significant disruptions across the city. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall that expected to last until 11 PM, predicting a total accumulation of 30 to 40 millimeters of rain in regions such as Skåne, Halland, and Västra Götaland.

The downpour had immediate implications for the ongoing Gothia Cup, a major youth football tournament taking place in the city. Due to safety concerns from lightning strikes and flooded pitches, officials suspended all matches. Linn Ohlsson, a press officer for the Gothia Cup, emphasized, "Safety was our primary concern, as many fields became unplayable." Additionally, the flooding caused significant disruptions in central Gothenburg, particularly in the Nordstan area, where six stores reported cases of water ingress, prompting local fire services to respond.

Traffic authorities warned of high water levels on roads, notably along the E6 highway, raising concerns about safe travel conditions. In light of the adverse weather, the SMHI also issued warnings not just for heavy rain but also for a heatwave anticipated in northern regions of Sweden, indicating a stark contrast in weather conditions across the country.

Rescue operations were underway for several trapped animals as well; notably, firefighters had to utilize a digger to rescue a horse stuck in mud. In addition to the natural calamities, local reports indicated that communication issues arose during various emergency responses, complicating the efforts to manage the flooding’s aftermath. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and to heed official warnings as the situation develops.

At present, Gothenburg remains in a state of alert as weather conditions continue to impact the city severely, with ongoing rescue efforts and monitoring by local authorities and emergency services.