Snowiest November day in 111 years, Stockholm

On November 9, 2016, Swedish capital Stockholm has broken its all-time snowfall record for any November day since measurements began in 1905.

During the early morning hours of November 9, national weather agency SMHI recorded 21 cm (8.26 inches) of snow with another 15 to 20 cm during the day, SMHI meteorologist Elisabeth Saarnag said. On Thursday morning, November 10, the snow was 39 cm (15.35 inches) thick at SMHI's weather station in Stockholm.

The previous record was set in 1985 when 29 cm (11.41 inches) of snow fell in one day.

Unconfirmed reports mention 30 – 40 cm (15.74 inches) within 6 hours.

Meteorologists say Stockholm was hit by a weather phenomenon known in Swedish as 'snökanoner' or 'snow cannons.' In English, this is called lake-effect snow and is a rapid deposit of snow caused when a cold air mass moves across an expanse of warmer water.

Yesterday's early season snowfall created huge traffic problems as it caught many drivers unprepared. Many buses across the capital and beyond were canceled and drivers forced to leave their vehicles on the roads. According to police reports, some of the drivers were stuck in their vehicles for more than 10 hours.

Some of the schools remained closed today and authorities urged Stockholmers to 'work from home if possible.' Those that can't are asked not to use cars to go to work as major traffic delays are still expected.

Snow is expected in most parts of the country by the next week.

This was Sweden's first big snowfall of the season.

Featured image: Heavy snow creates huge traffic problems in Stockholm, Sweden on November 9, 2016. Credit: Volvo Dashcam