Severe storm hits southern Sweden

A severe storm hit southern Sweden on Thursday and has cut transport and power in the region, local media reported. Power in about 20,000 families in southern Sweden has been cut off by Storm Xaver, called Sven in Sweden, which could be the worst to hit Europe in years. "(We are) sorry to say that many families will have to go without electricity for the whole night," Jakob Holmstrom, communication officer from the local electricity company, was quoted as saying by the Swedish Television SVT. He added that reparations might not start until Friday morning. Meanwhile, trains and buses were all suspended in the Southern part Skane on Thursday night. The railway and road traffic on the bridge connecting Sweden with Denmark were also blocked, according to media reports. Residents in the area were suggested to avoid going out unless it was absolutely necessary.