Sweden braces for the storm 'Pia', expected to hit the country on Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday.

The storm, named by the Danish Meteorological Institute, is anticipated to cause heavy snowfalls and strong winds, especially along the west coast, in Skåne, and the E4 area near Gävle.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) warns the storm could disrupt Christmas traffic, advising travelers to postpone their journeys if possible.

The storm is set to bring not only high winds but also substantial snowfall, particularly affecting western parts of Svealand, Värmland, and Dalarna, and the southern coast of Norrland.

An orange snow warning has been issued for the E4 between Gävle and Sundsvall for Thursday and Friday.

By Christmas Eve, 'Pia' is expected to have moved on, leaving clear skies in the south.

However, strong winds and snow showers might persist, especially in the eastern parts of the country.