Lithuania faces severe storm with winds up to 30 m/s

LRT reports that strong winds and heavy rain are forecast across Lithuania on Saturday, with gusts reaching up to 30 metres per second in some areas.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service, the country’s weather service, warned that western Lithuania could receive more than half of its August rainfall normal within 24 hours.

Paulius Starkus, a forecaster with the service, told LRT Radio that the approaching cyclone could uproot trees or break branches, disrupt traffic and interfere with electricity supplies.

“Unfortunately, there are no major changes in the forecasts. It appears that yesterday’s forecasts will come true. The weather today will be truly unsettled,” Starkus said early on Saturday.

Rain was already falling heavily in much of the country in the morning, with thunderstorms in some places. The wind was expected to strengthen later in the day.

Westerly wind gusts are forecast 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 locations. Western Lithuania is expected to receive heavy or very heavy rain, with totals of about 40 to 70 millimetres. Forecasters said this is equivalent to pouring four to seven buckets of water onto each square metre.

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

Residents are advised to close windows and doors securely, remove loose objects from yards, balconies and other open spaces, avoid parking cars near tall trees and stay away from trees while outdoors. Before leaving home for an extended period, people 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, rain is expected in western and northern districts, while short showers and thunderstorms are possible in many areas during the day. Southwesterly and westerly winds will reach 9 to 14 metres per second, with gusts of 15 to 20 metres per second in many places at night and some places during the day. Temperatures will range from 9 to 14 degrees overnight, 15 to 17 degrees on the coast, and 17 to 22 degrees during the day.