Storm to bring winds of up to 30 m/s across Lithuania

Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast across Lithuania on Saturday, with gusts of up to 30 metres per second in some areas, LRT reported, citing the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service.

Western Lithuania could receive more than half of its usual August rainfall in a single day, with 40 to 70 millimetres expected in some places. Forecasters said the western wind would reach 18 to 23 m/s, with gusts of 24 to 27 m/s in many areas and up to 28 to 30 m/s locally.

Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service forecaster Paulius Starkus told LRT Radio that the approaching cyclone could uproot trees, break branches and disrupt traffic and electricity supplies. The strongest wind gusts are expected between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Warnings about heavy rain and exceptionally dangerous winds were sent to residents’ mobile phones at around 9 a.m. on Saturday. Rain was already falling heavily in central Lithuania, including around Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts, as well as in the Vilnius region. Thunderstorms were also reported in some areas.

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

Residents have been advised to close windows and doors securely, remove loose objects from yards, balconies and other exposed places, and avoid parking near tall trees. People outdoors should not stand under trees. Before leaving home for a longer period, residents 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, short periods of rain are expected in western and northern districts, while scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast in many areas during the day. Winds will be from the southwest and west at 9 to 14 m/s, with gusts of 15 to 20 m/s in many places at night and locally 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.