Storm disrupts public transport, flights and trains in Riga

A severe storm overnight on Saturday, August 22, disrupted public transport across Riga, according to Rīgas satiksme (RS), the city's transport operator. RS said services are not running on their usual schedule and late evening trips may be significantly delayed. If the wind does not subside, night bus routes could also be affected.

RS stressed that passenger and staff safety comes first, and that the immediate priority is to safely manage the storm's consequences. Rescue services are working alongside RS staff to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Affected routes

Around 11 p.m., tram service on Kronvalda Boulevard was halted for several lines. Fallen trees disrupted a number of bus routes, and also stopped tram traffic on Slokas and Sliežu streets, trolleybus service on Jelgavas Street, and bus service on Rātsupītes Street. On Miera Street, a tree fell onto the overhead contact wire, halting tram traffic in both directions.

Air and rail traffic

Riga Airport warned of possible delays or diversions due to the storm. A Ryanair flight from Manchester was diverted to Gdańsk, a flight from Faro was redirected to Tallinn, and a flight from Catania was sent to Stockholm Arlanda. The airport urged travelers to check for updates.

Several train services operated under the Vivi brand were also delayed, including routes between Riga and Daugavpils, one of which was running roughly 220 minutes late. Electric train service on the Riga–Jelgava and Riga–Tukums routes was suspended, and a Dubulti–Riga train was cancelled due to weather.

Authorities had activated a cell broadcast warning about strong winds after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The State Fire and Rescue Service urged residents to cancel outdoor plans, secure loose items on balconies and yards, stay indoors, charge their phones, and follow official updates. Forecasters noted that some areas of Latvia received nearly a month's worth of rainfall on Saturday.