STOCKHOLM — Two people have died in Sweden after a powerful winter storm swept across parts of the Nordic region, triggering widespread power outages and major travel disruptions.

Sweden’s Meteorological and Hydrological Institute issued strong wind warnings for large areas of the northern half of the country as Storm Johannes moved through the region.

One man in his 50s was killed after being struck by a falling tree at the Kungsberget ski resort in southern Sweden, according to police and local media. Separately, regional utility company Hemab said one of its employees died in a work-related accident while responding to storm conditions in the field.

Tens of thousands of homes across Sweden, Norway, and Finland were left without electricity as high winds damaged power infrastructure.

In Sweden, more than 40,000 households lost power, while numerous rail services were canceled, according to the TT news agency.

Authorities also suspended many train routes until midday Sunday as crews worked to clear debris and repair damage.

Travel disruption extended across the region, with flights, rail services, and ferries canceled or delayed.

Roads and railways were also affected by fallen trees and hazardous conditions.

In Norway’s Nordland region, one of the country’s northernmost counties, emergency services responded to more than 200 weather-related incidents, public broadcaster NRK reported.

The storm cut electricity to around 23,000 homes in Nordland and another 9,000 in the Inland region.

In Finland, where the storm is known as Hannes, conditions eased by Sunday morning. However, more than 33,000 homes remained without power, according to public broadcaster Yle.

Heavy winds also disrupted air travel in northern Finland.

Flights at Kittilä Airport were grounded after strong gusts pushed a passenger jet and a smaller aircraft off the runway and into snowbanks, the Helsinki Times reported. No injuries were reported.

Authorities across the region warned that repair efforts could take time as crews work under challenging weather conditions. — Agencies