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Storm Paralyzes Traffic: Avižieniai Viaduct Remains Submerged
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Disasters & Emergencies

Storm Paralyzes Traffic: Avižieniai Viaduct Remains Submerged

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A severe storm hit Lithuania overnight, causing widespread flooding and disrupting traffic, particularly in the Vilnius region.
  • The Avižieniai viaduct near Vilnius remains submerged and impassable, with local authorities working to clear debris and restore access.
  • While the storm caused significant damage, calmer weather is forecast for the coming days, with temperatures rising.

A powerful overnight storm has left parts of Lithuania grappling with the aftermath, including significant flooding that has paralyzed traffic in several areas. The Avižieniai viaduct in the Vilnius region is currently submerged and impassable, posing a major disruption for commuters.

You can go around, it's just that this is an eternal problem with it when it rains, and now it's completely unknown when it will be dry again.

— Vilnius ResidentDescribing the ongoing flooding issues at the Avižieniai viaduct.

Residents have reported that while alternative routes are available, the viaduct's persistent flooding issues, exacerbated by the recent storm, have created an uncertain situation regarding when it will reopen. The Vilnius district mayor, Robert Duchnevič, confirmed that the storm caused considerable damage, with the most severe impacts reported in the Avižieniai and Riešė areas.

Emergency services and contractors are actively working to clear fallen trees and other obstacles to restore access. The mayor urged residents to report any areas still in need of assistance that services have not yet reached. Social media has been flooded with images of submerged streets, including the Western Bypass and underground parking lots of apartment buildings, highlighting the storm's widespread impact.

Our information indicates that the biggest consequences are recorded in the Avižieniai and Riešė municipalities. We are constantly communicating with the services, they are working at the scene. We have also informed the contractors. Today, the priority is given to the most important tasks – clearing fallen trees and other obstacles to free up passages.

— Robert DuchnevičThe Vilnius District Mayor on the storm's damage and ongoing recovery efforts.

Looking ahead, meteorologists predict a calmer and drier period for Lithuania. A high-pressure system is expected to bring clearer skies and less rain, with temperatures gradually increasing from a pleasant 20-25 degrees Celsius on Sunday to a warmer 22-27 degrees early next week. The summer warmth is expected to persist.

Choose another road to your home. You won't drive through the Avižieniai roundabout, you will float through it. Or choose another vehicle.

— DriverHumorously warning other drivers about the flooded Avižieniai roundabout.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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