Latvia: Flooding possible across Latvia through at least Dec. 22 due to rising water levels

Authorities are maintaining warnings for rising river levels across Latvia through Dec. 22 due to a combination of thawing snow and rainfall. Floodplains and other low-lying areas are experiencing flooding in many parts of the country. As of Dec. 18, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LEGMC) has issued orange water-level warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) for parts of western Latvia through Dec. 20 and yellow warnings are in effect for the rest of the country through Dec. 22. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days.

Rising water levels could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity, water supply, and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, or some employees' inability to reach work sites.