Powerful storm topples trees across Latvia, leaves hundreds of thousands without power

A powerful storm swept across Latvia on Saturday evening and through the night into Sunday, with gusts reaching 25–30 meters per second across most of the country and even stronger in the Vidzeme coastal area. Meteorologists say such intense wind from the sea is rare so far inland, and because it struck in summer, when trees are in full leaf, the damage is significantly greater than wind of similar strength would cause in winter. The strongest gust recorded nationwide by 6 p.m. was 26 m/s in Ventspils.

Power outages

By midnight, roughly 254,000 customers of distribution operator Sadales tīkls were without power. Extensive damage also hit lines belonging to transmission operator Augstsprieguma tīkls, affecting several municipalities including Olaine, Jelgava, Ķekava and Madona. Some customers were texted warnings that restoration could take more than 24 hours. Most damage was caused by trees or branches broken by wind and lightning. Residents were urged to stay away from damaged power lines or flooded equipment and to report dangerous situations via the emergency line 8404 or 112.

Public transport disruptions

In Riga, a tree falling on overhead tram lines halted tram service on one route, while another fallen tree on Dzintara Street blocked bus traffic in both directions.

Rising number of call-outs

By 11 p.m., the emergency line 112 had received 1,076 calls related to storm damage. The Latgale region logged the most, 340, including in Daugavpils and Augšdaugava municipality, followed by Zemgale with 264 and Riga with 149. The State Fire and Rescue Service added extra crews in Daugavpils and enlisted volunteer firefighters. The EU's Copernicus satellite mapping service was also activated to support monitoring and response. Authorities urged people to cancel outdoor plans, secure loose items on balconies and yards, stay indoors and keep phones charged.