Storm front reaches southern Lithuania as severe weather spreads

A powerful storm front reached southern Lithuania on Thursday, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, LRT reported.

The first storm cells reached Marijampolė and Alytus counties at about 6:10 p.m., according to the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service. Forecasters warned that dangerous weather could spread across a much larger part of the country in the coming hours.

The forecast includes heavy rain, thunderstorms, squally winds and hail. Tornadoes could also form in some areas.

The zone of intense precipitation is expected to expand into more southern districts of Lithuania. Residents have been sharing images of the heavy rain and strong winds on social media.

Forecasters had earlier warned of contrasting weather at the end of the week. After a morning zone of rain and thunderstorms moved away, conditions were expected to briefly improve, with relatively hot and humid weather. New rain and thunderstorm clouds were forecast to form in the afternoon and evening, bringing rain to much of the country, including locally heavy downpours.