# Latvia storm-related power grid disruption

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/latvia-storm-related-power-grid-disruption
> Updated: 2026-08-26T11:12:50.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

A severe summer storm in Latvia, featuring wind speeds exceeding 30 meters per second, caused extensive damage to the electrical infrastructure, affecting nearly 50 transmission lines spanning over 1,500 kilometers.

Initially, the transmission system operator, Augstsprieguma tīkls (AST), restored voltage to all more than 40 transmission substations after a peak disruption that left approximately 277,000 customers without electricity. While the high-voltage network was stabilized, distribution operator Sadales tīkls (ST) continued efforts to repair medium and low-voltage lines.

By late August 2026, electricity had been restored to approximately 98.5% of affected customers. However, as of Wednesday evening, August 26, roughly 8,500 households—about 3% of those impacted—remained without power, with significant disruptions concentrated in the Aizkraukle, Bauska, and Jēkabpils regions. To accelerate recovery, ST deployed over 200 crews, including personnel redirected from the Kurzeme region and assistance from the Estonian distribution system operator, Elektrilevi. The company utilized drones to identify damaged infrastructure and expects full power restoration to all remaining customers by Friday, August 28.

The storm also caused significant environmental and economic consequences. Latvijas Valsts meži (LVM) estimates that over 100,000 cubic meters of timber could be damaged in state forests, with cleanup potentially taking four months. Local businesses, such as the producer MārLapiņi, reported halting production due to outages, while the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) received thousands of emergency calls regarding fallen trees and fires.

## Claims

- Wind speeds during the recent summer storm exceeded 30 meters per second in some locations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A total of 3,347 emergency calls related to storm damage had been received by Tuesday morning. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- In the last 24 hours, 267 new emergency calls were received, with the highest number in Riga. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Damaged timber in state forests could exceed 100,000 cubic meters. (single source)
- Major storm damage in state forests could be cleared within four months if weather conditions permit. (single source)
- LVM is using Sentinel-1 satellite data to map storm damage areas. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Sadales tīkls targets Friday for full power restoration in Latvia

Sadales tīkls aims to fully restore electricity to all Latvian households affected by recent severe storms by Friday, August 28, as crews work to repair extensive damage caused by high winds.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sadales-tkls-targets-friday-for-full-power-restoration-in-latvia

### 2026-08-24: Latvia continues storm recovery as thousands remain without power

Latvia continues recovery efforts following a severe summer storm. While most power has been restored, thousands remain without electricity, and significant damage to forests and businesses persists.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvia-restores-power-to-all-transmission-substations-after-severe-storm

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Cite as: Latvia storm-related power grid disruption. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/latvia-storm-related-power-grid-disruption