Baltic states face extreme weather as powerful cyclone brings heavy rain and high winds

cyclone extreme weather storm warning heavy rainfall wind gusts

A powerful cyclone is bringing extreme weather conditions across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, characterized by intense rainfall and dangerous wind gusts.

In Latvia, a red alert has been issued for the regions surrounding Riga, Jelgava, and the Vidzeme coast. Meteorologists warn of extremely heavy rain that could cause widespread flooding of properties, transport infrastructure, and agricultural fields. Wind gusts in the coastal areas are expected to reach up to 30 m/s. In Riga, rainfall reached 32 mm by early Saturday, and authorities have urged residents to avoid outdoor activities and stay clear of trees and electrical lines.

Estonia is under an orange level 2 warning. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching 30 m/s in the Gulf of Riga area. Authorities have advised citizens to secure loose outdoor items and prepare for possible electricity outages.

Lithuania is also facing severe weather, with wind gusts recorded as high as 33 m/s in the Venta Cape region. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across much of the country, with significant precipitation levels predicted in western regions.

Entities

Elektrilevi · Environmental Agency · Estonian Environmental Agency · Estonian Environmental Board · Estonian Rescue Board · Latvia · Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorological Centre · Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre · Lietuvos hidrometeorologijos tarnyba · Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service · Riga City Council · State Fire and Rescue Service

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The utility company Elektrilevi is prepared to respond to power outages caused by falling trees or branches. online.le.ee · pmo.ee
[DISPUTED] Wind gusts in the Gulf of Riga area could reach 26 m/s. online.le.ee
[● 6 SOURCES] An active cyclone approaching from the south is expected to cross the southern border of Estonia. www.ohtuleht.ee · harjuelu.ee · pmo.ee · online.le.ee
[● 4 SOURCES] Wind gusts near the Gulf of Riga could reach up to 30 m/s. www.ohtuleht.ee · www.europesays.com · www.ogrenet.lv · www.valmieraszinas.lv
[● 6 SOURCES] Rainfall amounts in Estonia are expected to reach 50-70 mm, and in some areas up to 90 mm within 24 hours. online.le.ee · www.ohtuleht.ee · harjuelu.ee · pmo.ee
[● 7 SOURCES] The Environmental Agency has issued an orange level 2 warning for Estonia due to heavy rain and wind. online.le.ee · pmo.ee · www.ohtuleht.ee · harjuelu.ee · www.paevauudised.ee
[● 3 SOURCES] A red alert has been issued for the areas around Riga, Jelgava, and the Vidzeme coast of the Gulf of Riga in Latvia. www.europesays.com · www.ogrenet.lv
[● 5 SOURCES] Wind gusts in Lithuania could reach up to 30 m/s. grokiskis.lt · ve.lt · www.lrytas.lt · www.dainavoszodis.lt · pmo.ee
[DISPUTED] Wind gusts in the Gulf of Riga area could reach up to 30 m/s. www.europesays.com · www.ogrenet.lv · www.valmieraszinas.lv
[● 2 SOURCES] Rainfall in Riga reached 32 mm by 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026. pmo.ee · www.la.lv
[● 8 SOURCES] Wind gusts in Latvia may exceed 30 m/s in some areas, particularly along the Vidzeme coast. pmo.ee · nra.lv · www.valmieraszinas.lv · www.europesays.com · www.ogrenet.lv · +2 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] An orange level warning for strong winds was issued for Riga from 5:00 PM Saturday to 3:00 AM Sunday. nra.lv