Rain and hail
People on social networks shared images of heavy rain whitening the ground with hail in northern Lithuania, while in Vilnius, trees swayed or even broke due to strong gusts of wind.
More than 3,800 people in Lithuania were without electricity as of 5 p.m. due to wind damage.
MeteoLT reports that on Wednesday, the weather is influenced by the southwestern edge of a cyclone. Clouds with brief rain, thunderstorms, and stronger wind gusts are moving mostly in the northeastern and eastern parts of the country. Small hail was even recorded in Kupiškis, Pakruojis, and other areas.
Breaking and uprooting trees
Strengthening winds on Wednesday broke and uprooted trees across Lithuania, disrupting traffic. Firefighters received several dozen calls by evening, and residents are urged to remain vigilant during the night as well.
Edita Zdanevičienė, a representative of the Fire Protection and Rescue Department, said that most calls were related to trees fallen onto roadways.
“As of 5 p.m., firefighters have already received 30 reports today about wind-broken trees that posed a danger to traffic safety and needed to be removed.
Almost all incidents are related specifically to trees fallen onto roadways. There were a few reports where trees interfered with power lines.
Reports are recorded throughout Lithuania; we cannot single out any particular region. There were reports from Molėtai, Lazdijai, Širvintos, the coast, Kalvarija, Jonava, Kaunas, Zarasai,” commented E. Zdanevičienė.
According to the PAGD representative, dangerous weather conditions may persist during the night, so residents are urged to be cautious both when parking cars and when driving on forest roads.
“Since the wind can also be strong at night, we recommend residents, if possible, not to park cars near trees, and to be especially careful when driving through forested areas, especially at night, as there may be fallen trees on the roads.
Read more Hungary named the condition for the meeting between Magyar and Zelensky
We also recommend removing or securing easily blown objects left in yards,” warned the PAGD representative.
There have been no reports of injured people so far.
Raging both at night and on Thursday
Meteorologists report that dangerously strong wind gusts will rage in Vilnius County until late evening today – 11:30 p.m.
During the day, northwest gusts will reach 15-20 m/s in many places.
Similar warnings have been issued for the rest of Lithuania.
On Thursday night and day, dangerous winds will continue to rage throughout Lithuania, but gusts will be somewhat weaker. In some places, northwest wind gusts will reach 15-17 m/s.
On the night from Wednesday to Thursday, there will be brief rain in some places. The wind will be northwest, 9–14 m/s, with gusts of 15–17 m/s in some areas. Temperature 5–10 degrees Celsius. During the day, brief rain in some places, sometimes with thunderstorms. The wind will be northwest, 9–14 m/s, with gusts of 15–18 m/s in many places. Temperature 13–18 degrees Celsius.
It is recommended to remove from balconies and yards any items that the wind could lift or to secure them well. If you must go outside, dress appropriately. Also, do not park cars near trees.
Even worse in Belarus
On Wednesday, an orange-level warning was issued in Belarus due to the expected strengthening of northwest winds, with gusts reaching speeds of 15-20 meters per second, according to Belarusian media.
Improvement in the meteorological situation is expected no earlier than Thursday, when the wind will begin to weaken and its gusts will gradually subside.
Reports from Belarus mention trees uprooted by the storm, broken wires, and even tornadoes.
