Thunderstorm Leaves Over 9,000 Customers Without Power in Eastern Latvia
A thunderstorm caused power outages for more than 9,000 AS "Sadales tīkls" customers in the Rēzekne, Preiļi, and Ludza districts, with fallen trees, branches, and lightning strikes damaging overhead lines.
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On Sunday, July 12, around 2:00 PM, approximately 9,300 customers of AS "Sadales tīkls" in eastern Latvia – specifically in the Rēzekne, Preiļi, and Ludza districts – experienced power outages due to a thunderstorm. The company reported that damage to power lines was caused by trees and branches falling onto overhead cables, as well as lightning strikes.
"Sadales tīkls" is operating in an enhanced mode, monitoring weather forecasts and swiftly addressing disruptions. Thanks to the smart grid, power supply is restored via alternative lines in some cases even before physical repairs are completed. However, the company notes that the situation can change rapidly – faults may reoccur on different sections, and extensive damage may require longer restoration times.
The company urges residents not to stay outdoors during the storm, especially near power lines, and never to approach lines that have trees, branches, or broken wires hanging on them.
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center forecasts thunderstorms with heavy rain, possible hail, and wind gusts of 15–19 meters per second in parts of eastern Latvia this afternoon.
