Latvia, Lithuania: Adverse weather forecast across the region through June 20

Thunderstorms are forecast across Latvia and Lithuania through at least June 20. Storms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, strong winds, lightning, and hail. Heavy downpours associated with the storms could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

The Latvian Environment, Geology, and Meteorology Centre (LVGMC) has issued orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across Latvia June 19-20. Precipitation is forecast to cross Latvia from the west from early June 19. Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and hail are possible. Strong winds of up to 72 kph (45 mph) are forecast mainly in the eastern half of the country.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service has issued orange thunderstorm warnings across eastern and central Lithuania June 19. Yellow thunderstorms warnings are in place across the rest of Lithuania June 19 and across eastern Lithuania June 20. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming hours and days.

Sustained heavy rainfall 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. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity 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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential 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, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.