Storm brings heavy rain and winds of up to 30 m/s across Lithuania

A storm bringing heavy rain and powerful winds swept across Lithuania on Saturday, with streets severely flooded in Klaipėda and exceptionally strong winds reported in Palanga, according to LRT, LRT Radio and BNS.

Wind gusts of up to 30 m/s were forecast during the peak of the storm, expected between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. A representative of the Situation Coordination Department said at around 2:30 p.m. that the storm was moving towards Klaipėda County and that the whole of Lithuania had been affected.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service had warned the previous day of strong winds and heavy rain. In western Lithuania, more than half of the average August rainfall could fall within 24 hours, with expected totals of 40 to 70 millimetres.

Forecaster Paulius Starkus told LRT Radio on Saturday morning that the cyclone could uproot trees or break branches, while traffic and electricity supplies could be disrupted.

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

Warnings about heavy rain and extremely dangerous winds were sent to residents’ mobile phones at around 9 a.m. Starkus said the cyclone had reached some parts of Lithuania by the morning. Heavy rain was falling across much of the country, with thunderstorms in some places, while the wind was expected to strengthen later.

Heavy rain was reported in central Lithuania in the morning, including around Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts, as well as in Vilnius County.

Forecasters said severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and powerful wind gusts, were expected throughout Lithuania. Westerly gusts were forecast at 18 to 23 m/s, reaching 24 to 27 m/s in many places and 28 to 30 m/s in some areas.

Western Lithuania was expected to receive heavy or very heavy rain. Forecasters compared the predicted rainfall of up to 40 to 70 millimetres to pouring four to seven buckets of water onto one square metre.

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

Residents were advised to close windows and doors securely, collect loose objects from yards, balconies and other exposed areas, and avoid parking cars near tall trees. People outdoors were advised not to stand under trees.

Before leaving home for an extended period, residents were advised to check that the gas and electricity were switched off, the water was turned off, doors were locked and windows were closed.

On Sunday night, short periods of rain were expected in western and northern districts. Rain was forecast in many areas during the day, with thunderstorms in some places. Southwesterly and westerly winds were expected to reach 9 to 14 m/s, with gusts of 15 to 20 m/s in many places at night and in some areas during the day.

Temperatures on Sunday were forecast at 9 to 14 degrees overnight, 15 to 17 degrees on the coast and 17 to 22 degrees during the day.