Fallen Trees Cause Major Disruptions in Latgale Following Storm

A severe storm swept through Latvia's Latgale region, causing significant disruption as strong winds brought down numerous trees onto roadways. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reported a surge in calls, particularly between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., when 28 incidents involved trees obstructing traffic.

The Rēzekne municipality and the city of Rēzekne were most affected, receiving 21 of those calls. Ludza and Preiļi municipalities also reported fallen trees blocking roads. Rescuers were dispatched to saw the trees and clear the paths for vehicles. Some trees also fell onto power lines, causing further complications.

As the afternoon progressed, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., an additional 28 calls were received. The Augšdaugava municipality experienced the highest number of these, with nine calls. Jēkabpils municipality required assistance five times, while Rēzekne municipality had three calls. Other areas like Daugavpils, Līvāni, Rēzekne, Aizkraukle, Preiļi, Jūrmala, and Ludza also reported incidents.

In total, the VUGD handled 56 calls related to fallen trees across Latvia on this day, with Rēzekne municipality and Rēzekne city accounting for 26 of them. These events unfolded as weather forecasts predicted thunderstorms with heavy rain and potential hail in eastern Latvia, with wind gusts reaching 15 to 19 meters per second.