Storm leaves flooded streets and fallen trees across Lithuania

A strong storm swept across Lithuania overnight on Saturday, flooding streets and making some roads difficult or impossible to drive on, LRT reported. Eastern Lithuania was hit hardest, with firefighters responding 37 times to remove fallen trees, including 27 incidents in Vilnius County.

Giedrius Vaičiulis, a specialist at the Fire and Rescue Department, told LRT Radio that firefighters cleared trees from roads in 34 cases, from power lines in two cases and from a building in one case. The electricity distribution operator ESO reported that about 5,400 residents were without power because of disruptions.

Meteorologist Elena Kliukina said nearly 35 millimetres of rain fell in Vilnius District and almost 27 millimetres in Varėna District. Heavy rain was also recorded in Švenčionys, Šeduva, Biržai and Pakruojis. Eastern Lithuania received the most rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and, in some places, strong wind gusts.

In Vilnius, heavy rainfall flooded several streets, including Kovaliukų Street and Laisvės Avenue, while fallen trees disrupted public transport. Evaldas Morkūnas, head of the Vilnius Municipality Traffic Management and Organisation Division, said the situation had improved, public transport was moving smoothly and traffic lights had been restored or were being restored.

Some drivers reported that Jeruzalės, Naugarduko, Kalvarijų and Olimpiečių streets, Geležinio Vilko Street and the western bypass towards the city centre were difficult or impossible to pass. Residents of Vilnius and surrounding areas shared videos showing flooded streets, damaged trees and heavy objects blown over. No flooded streets were reported in Kaunas, according to the city municipality.

A second-level storm warning was issued for southern and southeastern regions, according to the Orai ir klimatas Lietuvoje Facebook page. The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service forecast little chance of rain on Sunday, with temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Monday was expected to remain dry, with temperatures reaching 22 to 27 degrees, while brief rain was possible in some places on Tuesday, when temperatures were forecast at 25 to 30 degrees.