Latvia: Flooding possible across eastern regions through at least March 4 due to rising water levels /update 1

Authorities are maintaining warnings for rising river levels across much of eastern Latvia through at least March 4. A combination of precipitation and melting snow and ice is likely to cause fluctuations in water levels. Floodplains and other low-lying areas are at risk of flooding cross the affected area. The most severe risk of flooding is along sections of the Daugava River between Jekabpils and Zelki due to ice masses compacting in reservoirs; some minor flooding has been reported as of March 1 and a few households in the area have been evacuated and several roads made impassable by floodwaters.

As of March 1, the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVGMC) had issued red and orange water-level warnings (the highest and second highest levels on a three-tier scale) along parts of the Daugava near Jekabpils and yellow warnings across the rest of the affected area. 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 impacts 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.