Riga City Council Urges Residents to Avoid Parks, Cemeteries and Playgrounds During Storm
A storm is expected on Friday afternoon and may last until Saturday morning. Riga's municipality asks residents to stay indoors unless necessary and to avoid places where trees and branches could fall.
Forecasters expect a storm to arrive on Friday, 9 October, in the afternoon, with its effects possibly lasting until Saturday morning. Riga's municipality is asking residents to stay indoors where possible, both for their own safety and to avoid hindering rescue crews dealing with the aftermath.
People are particularly advised not to visit parks, cemeteries, recreation areas and children's playgrounds, since both trees and branches may break in the wind.
What forecasters expect
According to meteorologists, between 14:00 and 18:00 on Friday, a west and northwest wind will strengthen to gusts of 20–22 m/s, first in western Kurzeme and then farther inland. A yellow warning is currently in force, but an orange warning, which is a higher level, may also be issued.
Clean-up efforts
Municipal service staff will work alongside the State Fire and Rescue Service to clear fallen trees from park paths and other areas, repair damage to public transport overhead lines and monitor changes in water levels. If weather damage threatens people's health or lives, communications or public transport, residents should call the emergency number 112.
If a tree falls on private property
If a tree has fully broken or toppled, or is clearly dangerous, it must be photographed from at least three viewpoints before it is cut up and removed. The Riga City Development Department should then be notified, with the photos attached. A submission can be emailed to pad@riga.lv or sent to Dzirnavu iela 140, Riga, LV-1050.
The notice should include the address or cadastral designation, the number of broken or hazardous trees, their species if known, and the trunk diameter or circumference at 1.3 m above the ground if it can be measured. A map showing where the tree grows (or grew) and three photos clearly showing signs of danger should also be attached. No permit is required to fell hazardous trees.
