Storm damages Lithuanian forests, urges caution for visitors

Lithuania's forests sustained significant damage from a weekend storm, with initial estimates indicating around 150,000 cubic meters of timber affected in state-managed areas. The most severe impacts were reported in the Dubrava, Kazlų Rūda, Biržai, and Panevėžys regions.

Forestry teams are actively working to assess the full extent of the damage and clear affected areas. Their immediate priorities include reopening blocked forest roads and removing fallen spruce trees. This swift action is crucial to mitigate the risk of bark beetle infestations, which can further harm the forest ecosystem.

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Forestry workers continue to assess damage and remove storm debris – first, blocked forest roads are being cleared and damaged spruces removed. Their prompt removal is important to reduce the risk of bark beetle typographer spread.

Authorities are strongly advising the public to be extremely cautious when visiting forests, particularly in areas hit hard by the storm. There is a risk of trees leaning precariously or branches hanging loose from wind damage. Mushroom and berry pickers are urged to avoid heavily damaged zones and to seek safety quickly if the wind picks up.

The storm also caused widespread power outages, leaving over 100,000 customers without electricity, primarily in the Kaunas, Utena, Panevėžys, and Vilnius regions. Firefighters across Lithuania responded to over 2,500 calls to remove fallen trees, with the Kaunas region seeing the highest number of incidents. The storm's impact extended to transportation, with train delays, and telecommunications, reporting disruptions.

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We urge forest visitors to be extremely careful. In storm-affected areas, there may be dangerously leaning trees or wind-broken branches hanging in the crowns. When mushrooming or berry picking, we recommend avoiding heavily damaged forest areas, and if the wind strengthens, to retreat to a safe place as soon as possible.