Forecasters warn of dangerous winds and heavy rain across Lithuania

Lithuania’s Hydrometeorological Service has warned of very heavy rain and powerful winds on Saturday, with gusts reaching up to 30 metres per second, LRT reported.

Meteorologist Edita Gečaitė said weather conditions over the next 24 hours would be dangerous or even extremely dangerous. An active cyclone will approach from the south overnight, bringing rain across the country.

The night is expected to remain relatively calm, although heavy but short-lived rain is possible, particularly in southern Lithuania. By dawn and during the first half of Saturday, rain will spread to most districts, with the heaviest rainfall expected in the western part of the country.

Some areas could receive more than 50 millimetres of rain. In much of western Lithuania, rainfall totals are expected to reach 15 to 40 millimetres.

Forecasters said the greatest threat would come from the wind. It will initially blow from the south and southeast before shifting to the southwest, west and northwest. Wind speeds are expected to reach 15 to 17 metres per second, strengthening in many areas around 11 a.m. to gusts of 18 to 23 metres per second.

In some places, gusts could reach 24 to 27 metres per second, while winds on the coast could reach 28 to 30 metres per second. The strongest gusts cannot be predicted precisely, and the risk remains across the whole of Lithuania.

Gečaitė warned that the storm could bring down trees and branches and cause power outages.

Residents are advised to close windows and doors securely, remove loose objects from yards, balconies and other open areas, and avoid parking cars near tall trees. People outdoors should stay away from trees, advertising stands and power lines.

Residents should also check and clear rainwater pipes and other drainage systems, ensure that gas, electricity and water are turned off before leaving home for an extended period, and assess risks near rivers and lakes, where water levels could rise sharply. Neighbours and relatives, particularly elderly people, should be asked whether they need assistance.

Winds are expected to ease on Sunday night, with calmer weather forecast for next week. Sunday will remain rainy in many areas, with temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees Celsius overnight and 17 to 22 degrees during the day. The start of next week is also expected to be rainy, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 23 degrees.