Storm blows off roof, floods viaduct in Vilnius district

A strong storm caused damage and flooding in eastern Lithuania, including a house roof being blown off in Avižieniai, LRT reported. Firefighters responded to 37 incidents involving fallen trees, mostly in Vilnius County.

Fire and Rescue Department specialist Giedrius Vaičiulis told LRT radio that 27 of the callouts were in Vilnius County. There were also two incidents in Klaipėda County, five in Alytus County, one in Telšiai County and two in Utena County.

In 34 cases, firefighters removed trees that had fallen onto roads. Two trees had fallen onto power lines and one onto a building. About 1,600 residents remained without electricity, according to the electricity distribution operator ESO’s outage map at 2:13 p.m.

Meteorologist Elena Kliukina said nearly 35 millimetres of rain fell in Vilnius District and nearly 27 millimetres in Varėna District. Heavy rain was also recorded in Švenčionys, Šeduva, Biržai and Pakruojis.

Vilnius District Mayor Robert Duchnevič said the worst damage was reported in the Avižieniai and Riešė administrative areas. Services were clearing fallen trees and other obstacles to reopen roads and paths, while ESO was working to restore power.

Road maintenance company Kelių priežiūra said crews had been working continuously since about 11 p.m. on Saturday to remove surface water beneath the Bukiškis viaduct in Avižieniai. Traffic under the viaduct remained closed because of the accumulated water.

The company said additional crews and high-capacity pumps had reduced the water level by about 40 centimetres. Work was continuing to lower the water to road level and restore safe traffic conditions. Drivers were asked to use alternative routes, follow temporary traffic signs and report flooded or obstructed roads.