Tallinn water utility warns of flooding risk from heavy overnight rain
Tallinn and its surroundings could see 50–100 millimeters of rain this evening and overnight, risking sewer system overload. Water utility Tallinna Vesi is urging residents to prepare in advance.
There is a high likelihood that Tallinn and the surrounding area will receive between 50 and 100 millimeters of rain this evening and overnight, an amount that could overload or disrupt the city's sewer system, water utility Tallinna Vesi has warned.
Urmas Kütt, the company's head of pipeline operations, advises clearing leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts and storm drains ahead of the rain, shutting basement windows, and sealing doors that water could enter through, especially at properties situated below street level.
Precautions recommended
Kütt suggested residents consider installing flood barriers where possible, remove valuables from basements that could be damaged by water, and avoid parking in underground garages or lots situated below the surrounding ground level, since flood risk is higher in those spots.
To guard against backflow, he recommended checking that backflow valves are functioning and keeping an eye on basement floor drains and sewer connections. Properties with a pumping station should have it checked and, if possible, emptied before the rain arrives, as storms can also cause power outages.
During and immediately after the rainfall, residents should avoid heavy water use — such as running baths, washing machines or dishwashers — to avoid adding strain to the wastewater system. Stormwater should never be channeled into the sewer system, as doing so raises the risk of the system being overwhelmed and water entering buildings.
Kütt also warned people not to enter a flooded basement until the risk of electric shock has been ruled out, and to stay clear of flooded areas and open manholes, which can be concealed beneath standing water. Tallinna Vesi says it is monitoring the situation and working to keep water and sewer services running and stormwater draining despite the difficult conditions. Flooding can also dislodge manhole covers on streets, so both pedestrians and drivers are advised to stay alert.
Tallinn last experienced serious flooding in July 2023, when about 80 percent of the average monthly rainfall fell within a single 24-hour period, overwhelming parts of the city's infrastructure.
