Storm leaves 110,000 Lithuanian customers without power

Severe weather has left 110,000 electricity customers without power across Lithuania, while the Energy Distribution Operator’s website and fault-reporting phone line are experiencing disruptions, LRT reported.

ESO spokeswoman Rasa Jodkienė said the outage figures shown on the operator’s map no longer reflected the situation because its servers had been overwhelmed by visitor traffic. Residents are being asked to report dangerous situations through the emergency number 112.

“The situation across Lithuania is difficult. We can see damage to our networks, as well as trees falling in the streets and roads being flooded,” Jodkienė told LRT Radio.

The network has been damaged most severely in the Klaipėda region, while the largest number of customers without electricity are in the Alytus region, including Varėna, Lazdijai, Alytus District and nearby towns, villages and settlements. The situation is also difficult in Vilnius, around the capital, in Vilnius District and in Šalčininkai.

About 400 people are responding to critical calls, but dangerous weather conditions are preventing them from carrying out most repairs. Workers are identifying damaged sections of the network so that restoration can begin more quickly when conditions improve. ESO expects the weather to ease towards the evening.

On Sunday, 260 crews made up of 1,500 employees will carry out repair work.

The ESO.lt website used to register outages has stopped working, and the short number 1852 is also experiencing disruptions. Residents have been urged not to approach fallen power lines or attempt repairs themselves. ESO also recommends connecting generators where available and checking on neighbours who may need assistance.

Forecasters have warned of strong rain and wind across Lithuania. Westerly wind gusts are expected to reach 18 to 23 metres per second, 24 to 27 metres per second in many areas and up to 28 to 30 metres per second in some places.

Heavy, locally very heavy rain is forecast in western Lithuania, where up to 40 to 70 millimetres of rain may fall in 24 hours. Residents are advised to close windows and doors securely, remove loose objects from yards and balconies, avoid parking near tall trees and not stand under trees outdoors.