Cyclone to bring dangerous winds and heavy rain across Lithuania

LRT reports that Lithuania’s Hydrometeorological Service has warned of strong winds and heavy rain across the country on Saturday, with the first extreme gusts expected within hours.

Forecasters said wind gusts could 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 places. The approaching cyclone could uproot trees or break branches, disrupt traffic and interrupt electricity supplies, said Paulius Starkus, a forecaster with the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service.

Heavy rain was already falling in much of Lithuania in the morning, with thunderstorms reported in some areas. The most intense rain was reported in central Lithuania, around Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts, while residents also reported heavy rain in Vilnius County.

Western Lithuania is expected to receive heavy or very heavy rain. More than half of the usual August rainfall for the area could fall within 24 hours, with totals of about 40 to 70 millimetres. Forecasters said this is equivalent to pouring four to seven buckets of water onto one square metre.

Mobile phone warnings about heavy rain and dangerous weather were sent to residents at around 9 a.m. Forecasters recommend closing windows and doors securely, bringing loose objects indoors from yards, balconies and other exposed places, and avoiding parking cars near tall trees. People outdoors should not stand under trees.

Before leaving home for a longer period, residents are advised to check that the gas and electricity are switched off, the water is turned off, doors are locked and windows are closed.

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

On Sunday night, short spells of rain are forecast in western and northern districts, with showers in many areas during the day and thunderstorms 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 locally during the day.