Storm winds hit Lithuania, disrupting power and toppling trees

Storm-force winds have already hit Lithuania, cutting electricity and toppling trees, one of which struck a woman, LRT reported. The Lithuania’s Hydrometeorological Service has warned of heavy rain and dangerous wind gusts across the country on Saturday.

Forecasters expect the strongest winds between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., with gusts reaching up to 30 metres per second in some areas. The approaching cyclone could bring down trees, break branches, disrupt traffic and affect electricity supplies, said Paulius Starkus, a forecaster with the service, speaking to LRT Radio.

Warnings about heavy rain and extremely dangerous winds were sent to residents’ mobile phones at around 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Rain was already falling heavily in much of Lithuania in the morning, with thunderstorms reported in some areas. The heaviest rain was recorded in central Lithuania, around Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts, while residents also reported intense rainfall in Vilnius County.

Westerly wind gusts are expected to reach 18 to 23 metres per second, generally 24 to 27 metres per second and, in some places, 28 to 30 metres per second. Western Lithuania is forecast to receive heavy or very heavy rain, with 40 to 70 millimetres possible in 24 hours. This is more than half the region’s average August rainfall and is equivalent to four to seven buckets of water per square metre, forecasters said.

Temperatures on Saturday are expected to reach 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in western Lithuania and 21 to 26 degrees in the east.

Residents have been advised to close windows and doors securely, remove loose items from yards, balconies and other exposed areas, and avoid parking cars near tall trees. People outdoors should not stand under trees. Before leaving home for a longer period, residents should check that the gas and electricity are switched off, the water is turned off, doors are locked and windows are closed.

On Sunday night, western and northern districts may see rain, while showers are expected in many parts of the country during the day, with thunderstorms in some places. Winds will be southwesterly and westerly, at 9 to 14 metres per second, with gusts of 15 to 20 metres per second in many areas at night and some areas during the day. Temperatures will fall to 9 to 14 degrees overnight, 15 to 17 degrees on the coast, and reach 17 to 22 degrees during the day.