Storm sweeps Lithuania, toppling trees and cutting power to 1,800 people

A powerful storm moved across Lithuania on Thursday, toppling trees and leaving about 1,800 people without electricity, LRT reported. Emergency services received around 20 to 30 reports of trees blocking roads.

The first storm cells reached Marijampolė and Alytus counties before moving through Marijampolė, Alytus and Kaunas counties. By 8:10 p.m., the main storm centres were moving across Alytus and Vilnius counties, while later updates said isolated storm clouds were moving towards Alytus County.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service warned that the zone of heavy rain would move eastwards through Alytus and Vilnius counties. Short thunderstorms were expected in many areas, with heavy rain in some places, wind gusts of 15 to 20 metres per second and locally up to 25 metres per second, as well as hail. Tornadoes were also possible in some areas.

Fire and Rescue Department official Saulius Raščevskis told ELTA that many calls had come from Druskininkai municipality and the Prienai, Lazdijai and Varėna districts. Crews were being sent to the affected areas as the situation developed.

According to the Energy Distribution Operator outage map, around 1,800 residents were without power because of disruptions, with 60 faults recorded.

Heavy rain made driving conditions more difficult and caused temporary flooding on some roads and in lower-lying areas. Strong winds could break thinner or weaker branches, while thunderstorms could disrupt electricity supplies.

Authorities advised residents to close windows and doors securely, fasten loose outdoor objects and avoid parking cars near tall trees. During thunderstorms, people were urged to stay away from open areas, bodies of water, trees, power lines and metal structures.

The storm also damaged the homestead of partisan Juozas Jakavonis-Tigras. His daughter, Seimas member Angelė Jakavonytė, reported on Facebook that the homestead had been severely affected.