Storm hits Latvia: residents urged to document and share their observations
A powerful storm is sweeping through Latvia, prompting red and orange level weather warnings, with Riga City Council urging residents to stay indoors when possible. People are asked to photograph and submit evidence of storm damage.
A severe storm has struck Latvia, prompting Riga City Council to issue safety guidance for residents. The municipality is asking people in the capital to avoid going outside unless necessary, both to protect themselves and their families and to avoid hindering rescue workers dealing with the storm's aftermath.
Residents are specifically advised to stay away from parks, cemeteries, recreational areas and children's playgrounds, since strong gusts of wind could cause trees and branches to break and fall. Heavy rainfall is also expected, which may lead to flooding in some areas, so people are being asked to avoid using private vehicles during the storm.
Weather warnings
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued an orange-level weather warning for Saturday between 3pm and 7pm. An even higher, red-level warning is in effect for the central part of Latvia, running from 9am on Saturday until 2am on Sunday.
Because of the dangerous weather conditions, several previously planned cultural events have also been cancelled.
Call to residents
The news portal Delfi is asking residents to photograph or film the effects of the storm — strong wind gusts and any resulting damage — and submit their observations. The submitted material will be compiled and published in a separate report on the storm's damage.
