Latvia: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 4

Adverse winter weather is forecast across much of Latvia through at least Jan. 4. Heavy snowfall is expected across much of the country through early Jan. 4, with snowfall accumulations of around 5 cm (2 inches) likely in most areas and up to 10 cm (4 inches) possible in western regions. Strong winds are also expected across central and western regions, which may lead to blizzard conditions and rough seas in coastal areas. Water levels remain high across parts of the country following heavy rainfall in recent days. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to the reduced visibility and icy roads.

As of Jan. 3, the Latvian Environment, Geology, and Meteorology Center (LVGMC) has issued orange heavy snowfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across western regions and yellow heavy snowfall warnings across the rest of the country. Orange strong wind warnings are in place for western coastal regions and yellow strong wind warnings across western and parts of central Latvia. Orange water level warnings have been issued for parts of Durbe Municipality and yellow water level warnings are in place across northern and western regions. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

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.