Latvia braces for more heavy rain and flooding; Riga streets inundated

Latvia is grappling with significant rainfall and flooding, particularly in the western Kurzeme region, where the most intense precipitation is still anticipated. Kalnciems has already recorded over 37 millimeters of rain, and Dobele has seen 40 millimeters, representing 62% of its monthly rainfall norm.

While areas like Zemgale, Selija, Latgale, and parts of Vidzeme, including the capital Riga, have seen the worst of the downpour pass, Kurzeme is bracing for more. Thunderstorms are also possible in the west. The forecast indicates that the widespread and intense rainfall experienced earlier may not be repeated across the entire country, but Kurzeme remains at risk.

Riga has been particularly affected, with streets flooding on Saturday afternoon. Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks reported high water levels on 11. Novembra krastmala under the Stone Bridge, causing traffic disruptions that could lead to complete blockage. Similar conditions are observed under the Salu Bridge. City services have deployed water pumping units to address the flooding on multiple streets, including Mālpils, Daugavgrīvas, and Ostas prospekts.

A storm is expected to move north across Latvia overnight, reaching Zemgale, Selija, and Latgale in the evening, followed by Vidzeme. The strongest winds, with gusts potentially exceeding 20 meters per second and reaching 25-30 meters per second in some areas, are forecast for the northern Vidzeme coast, possibly exceeding 30 meters per second. Riga anticipates the storm around 9 p.m., with winds primarily from the west, though gusts may not exceed 23 meters per second across most of the city.