More than 7,000 lose power as storm hits Lithuania

Storm-force winds have knocked out electricity for more than 7,000 consumers across Lithuania, as powerful gusts and heavy rainfall hit the country, Rasa Juodkene, a representative of electricity distribution operator Energijos skirstymo operatorius, said on national radio LRT.

“More than 7,000 consumers have lost electricity. Repair crews are being dispatched to the sites of the outages without delay,” Juodkene said.

Winds are reaching 28 to 30 metres per second in gusts, while heavy rain is accompanying the storm.

Western Lithuania is facing rainfall levels classified as a natural disaster, with precipitation of up to 50 millimetres forecast.

Repair teams are being sent to affected areas as authorities and the distribution operator work to restore power and address damage caused by the severe weather.

By Tamilla Hasanova