Northeastern Europe: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland through at least Dec. 15 /update 1

Event

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across parts of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland through at least Dec. 15. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the region due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of Dec. 12, the Estonia Environment Agency has issued orange warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for snow, snowstorms, and strong winds across the country. Further snow is forecast across much of Estonia through at least early Dec. 15.

The Latvian Environment, Geology, and Meteorology Center (LVGMC) has issued orange snow and blizzard warnings across much of western Latvia Dec. 12, with the exception of coastal areas, where yellow blizzard warnings are in place. Orange ice warnings have been issued for much of central and northern Latvia and yellow ice and snow warnings have been issued for the rest of the country not under orange warnings. Yellow strong wind warnings have been issued for western Latvia and Riga.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service has issued yellow blizzard warnings for Klaipeda, Siauliai, Taurage, and Telsiai counties and yellow snow warnings for Klaipeda, Siauliai, and Telsiai counties Dec. 12, Yellow ice warnings have been issued for Alytus, Kaunas, Marijampole, and Vilnius counties and yellow strong wind warnings for Klaipeda County. Yellow blizzard warnings are in place across the country Dec. 13, as well as yellow strong wind warnings for Klaipeda, Marijampole, and Taurage counties.

The Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued orange snowfall warnings for parts of western and west-central Warmia-Masuria Province and orange blizzard warnings for parts of northern and northeastern Pomerania and northwestern and northern Warmia-Masuria Province Dec. 12. Yellow snowfall warnings are in place for parts of southern and southeastern Lower Silesia, southwestern Opole, northern Podlaskie, northern and eastern Pomerania, and eastern and east-central Warmia-Masuria provinces and yellow blizzard warnings for parts of southeastern Pomerania and western and central Warmia-Masuria provinces. Yellow strong wind warnings have been issued for northern Pomerania and northwestern Warmia-Masuria provinces. Further snowfall is forecast over the coming days, with the heaviest snow expected in northern regions Dec. 13 and eastern and southern regions Dec. 14.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the days.

Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the region over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Estonian Environment Agency
Latvian Environment, Geology, and Meteorology Center (LVGMC)
Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service
Poland Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute (IMGW-PIB)