Storm to hit Lithuania with winds of up to 30 m/s

Lithuania’s Hydrometeorological Service is warning of strong winds and heavy rain across the country on Saturday, with gusts of up to 30 metres per second possible in some areas, LRT reports.

Western Lithuania could receive more than half of its August rainfall norm in 24 hours, with totals reaching 40 to 70 millimetres. Forecasters warn that the approaching cyclone could uproot trees, break branches and disrupt traffic and 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,” Paulius Starkus, a forecaster with the Hydrometeorological Service, told LRT Radio early on Saturday.

The cyclone had reached parts of Lithuania by the morning. Heavy rain was reported across much of the country, with thunderstorms in some places. Rain was particularly intense in central Lithuania, including around Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts, while residents also reported heavy rain in Vilnius County.

Westerly wind gusts are expected to reach 18 to 23 metres per second, 24 to 27 metres per second in many areas and as much as 28 to 30 metres per second in some locations. Strong or very heavy rain is forecast across much of western Lithuania.

Forecasters compare the expected rainfall of 40 to 70 millimetres 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 exposed places, and avoid parking cars near tall trees. People outdoors should not stand under trees.

Before leaving home for an extended period, residents should check that the gas and electricity are switched off, the water is turned off, the doors are locked and the windows are closed.

On Sunday night, short periods of rain are expected in western and northern districts. During the day, showers are forecast in many areas, with thunderstorms possible in some places. Southwesterly and westerly winds will reach 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.