The self-employed truck driver Niclas Nordström found himself trapped in snow on Sweden’s E22 motorway for a grueling 20 hours on Wednesday and Thursday, describing the conditions as the worst he’s encountered in his 30-year career.
Unexpected Standstill
Having operated his own road freight business since the 1990s, Nordström was shocked to encounter the traffic jam on the E22 around 1:45 PM near Linderöd. He, along with approximately 1,000 other drivers, realized that the road was blocked under unexpected circumstances.
Assumptions Gone Wrong
“The cause of the jam had occurred earlier, and I thought the police would have diverted traffic,” the 58-year-old recounted. “In hindsight, if there had been quicker thinking, we wouldn’t have experienced such long queues.” This misjudgment led to a prolonged standstill.
Blizzard Conditions
Up to 1,000 vehicles became stranded on the E22 between Hörby and Kristianstad as a fierce blizzard hit the region. The Armed Forces were called in to assist, helping stranded individuals evacuate their cars and providing food and water to those still caught in the storm.
Unprepared and Stuck
Due to his truck’s day cab design, which lacks a sleeping area, Nordström had to rest upright at the wheel. Although he had a better situation compared to those in passenger vehicles, he lacked food and medicine. He had to rely on the kindness of others for assistance.
Mutual Support
He shared his ordeal with a couple from Holland who offered him coffee and a sandwich after he expressed his hunger. While stuck, he frequently checked the Swedish Transport Administration’s website for updates, which continuously pushed back the estimated time for the road’s reopening.
Escaping the Jam
Finally, around 10 AM, assistance came from a local farmer who cleared a three-meter-wide path through the snow. Nordström and the Dutchman drove out by navigating against the oncoming lane traffic, using their hazard lights until they reached a usable road.
A Unique Experience
Having primarily operated in the southern counties of Skåne and Blekinge, Nordström remarked he had never encountered such severe snow conditions. “I’ve never, ever experienced anything like this in my 30 years of driving. Skåne hasn’t faced such weather since 1979,” he reflected.
