Authorities in Lithuania and Latvia are warning residents to only travel in urgent situations as a strong storm brought heavy rain and powerful winds to the Baltic nations. In Lithuania, a 50-year-old woman was killed in Vilnius by a falling tree, and around 200,000 households were left without electricity. Emergency services in both countries have been inundated with calls for assistance due to fallen trees, damaged cars, and flooded roads. In some parts of Lithuania, a month’s worth of rain fell in just two days, leading to catastrophic flooding in several regions.
In Latvia, prevailing strong winds are causing water levels to rise along the coast of the Gulf of Riga, increasing the risk of flooding. The Daugava river, which flows through the capital city of Riga, is particularly at risk. The storm has caused damage to buildings as well, with the central Dome Square in Riga temporarily closed due to wind damage to the medieval Dome Cathedral. Flights in Lithuania were cancelled or diverted as planes were unable to land in Vilnius or Kaunas due to the storm. While the southern part of Estonia also experienced heavy rain and strong winds, the region avoided significant material damage.
Authorities expect the storm to linger in the region until at least Monday afternoon, leading to further disruptions and potential dangers for residents. In both Lithuania and Latvia, the focus is on responding to the immediate impacts of the storm, including power outages, flooding, and damage to infrastructure. With the severity of the storm and the ongoing risks of high winds and heavy rainfall, residents are being urged to exercise caution and only travel if absolutely necessary. The impact of the storm highlights the vulnerability of the Baltic nations to extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and response measures to minimize the risks to residents and infrastructure.
