Heavy rain floods several streets in Riga, driving under bridges made difficult

Heavy rain flooded several roadways across Riga on Saturday afternoon, Riga deputy mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) reported on social media platform X.

According to Ratnieks, the situation is particularly difficult along the 11 November Embankment near the Stone Bridge (Akmens tilts), where water levels have risen significantly. Traffic there is currently hindered, and a full closure could not be ruled out. A similar situation was reported near the Vansu... actually the Island Bridge (Salu tilts).

Multiple crews deployed

Ratnieks said the city has six water-pumping units currently operating, with two more held in reserve, and additional equipment can be brought in if needed. Pumping operations are underway on several streets, including Malpils, Daugavgriva, Mores, Verdinu, Gobas, Pleksnes, Piena, Sermulinu and Lutrinu streets, as well as Ostas Avenue and Slavu roundabout.

Shortly before 3:30 p.m., the deputy mayor said the city had recorded 76 weather-related incidents so far. Most involved flooded roadways, which crews had already pumped out or were still clearing. Basements and ground floors of some buildings were also flooded, and the wind broke one tree and one branch. Ratnieks noted that the city had so far weathered the downpours relatively calmly.

Warnings issued nationwide

As previously reported, Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVGMC) had forecast a storm with very heavy rain for Saturday. The agency issued orange, yellow and even red warnings for both strong wind and heavy rainfall in Riga and across the country. Because of the severe weather, a number of outdoor events planned across Latvia were cancelled.