WEATHER UPDATE: Hurricane-strength winds whipped much of southern Scandinavia earlier today, with at least two people being killed by falling trees in Sweden. The bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark was temporarily shut to all traffic, while nearly all train departures in southern Sweden and parts of Norway were cancelled, as the strong winds felled trees across the tracks in several places.

The World Cup ski jump event in Vikersund, Norway, has been canceled due to strong winds. No new date was immediately announced. However, cold weather and snow have boosted preparations for the 2007 World Ski Championship in Sweden in February, organizers said yesterday. Warm weather before the World Cup caused fears that the two-week championships might also suffer.

Related content:

• Winter Sport & Ski Resorts in Norway
• Scandinavia in January
• The 2007 World Ski Championship in Sweden