Overnight storm leaves widespread damage across Latvia

Latvia was hit overnight from Saturday to Sunday by what is being described as one of the most powerful storms in the past decade. In some areas wind gusts topped 30 meters per second, causing extensive damage in the capital and across the country.

In Riga, the storm snapped hundreds of trees and damaged fences, cars, traffic lights and public transport overhead lines, while also flooding basements, courtyards and streets. Eyewitnesses reported heavy damage at the Great Cemetery, where both large branches and centuries-old trees were affected; despite cordon tape at the entrances, passersby went in to view the destruction.

Damage beyond Riga

Other regions were also affected. On the A7 highway between Ķekava and Iecava, around 15 fallen trees blocked the road, creating long traffic jams toward Riga. A tree also fell across a road in Sēme parish, where rescuers worked to clear the route. In Brocēni, a fallen tree hit a car, though helpers quickly cleared both the vehicle and the roadway. Strong winds were also recorded by residents of Pilsrundāle on Saturday evening.

Power outages and ongoing rescue efforts

The storm caused the largest power supply disruptions in the past 20 years. As of about 7 a.m. Sunday, roughly 277,000 customers of grid operator AS "Sadales tīkls" were without electricity, according to the company and transmission system operator AS "Augstsprieguma tīkls". Crews are continuing efforts to restore supply.

By Sunday midday, the State Fire and Rescue Service had received about 2,400 calls for help. Because of fallen trees, some public transport routes in Riga were suspended or delayed on Sunday, and rescue teams continue working to address the storm's aftermath.