Latvia's worst storm since 2005 leaves over 100,000 households without power
Latvia was hit on Saturday evening by its most severe storm since January 2005, cutting electricity to more than 100,000 households. Zemgale, Sēlija, Latgale and part of Kurzeme suffered the strongest impact.
Latvia was struck on Saturday evening by the most powerful storm since January 2005, according to meteorological data. Grid operator Sadales tīkls reported that power supply had been cut to more than one hundred thousand households nationwide.
Regions affected
The strongest winds so far have battered Zemgale, Sēlija, Latgale and part of Kurzeme. During the evening the storm, moving in from the south, also reached Vidzeme. Wind strength has begun easing in southwestern Kurzeme, while the strongest gusts in Vidzeme are still expected overnight.
Wind speeds
According to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, the strongest gusts recorded by 8 p.m. were 27 metres per second in Rēzekne. Bauska, Saldus and Ventspils saw gusts of 26 metres per second. Across most of the country gusts are reaching 25–30 metres per second, with even stronger winds possible along the Vidzeme coast. Calmer conditions remain in southwestern Kurzeme and around Rūjiena.
Expected damage
Experts warn the storm will continue snapping and uprooting trees, potentially blocking roads and railways and tearing down power lines, with further damage to infrastructure expected.
