Warning for Saturday: Strong winds to sweep Lithuania, with the coast hit hardest

Saturday will bring more than cool and rainy weather to Lithuania. Strong winds are expected across the country, with the coast and coastal lowlands likely to take the hardest hit.

Meteorologist Gytis Valaika said gusts would generally reach 15 to 20 meters per second. Along the coast, they could reach 23 m/s, and possibly 24 to 25 m/s directly beside the sea. The northern edge of the country should be the calmest area.

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Wind gusts will reach 15 to 20 m/s, on the coast up to 23 m/s, and right beside the sea they may even reach 24 to 25 m/s.

Valaika said the winds would not match the strength of the storm on Aug. 22, but warned that they could still cause damage. Rain will leave trees and their leaves wet and heavier, meaning gusts of 15 to 20 m/s could be more damaging while trees remain in leaf than later in the year, when branches are bare. After comparing several weather models, he said southern Lithuania could see the most trouble, with winds strengthening there during the night.

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The risk is increased. The problem is that the trees and their leaves are wet from the rain, so they will be heavier.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service has issued a wind warning for all parts of the country until 9 p.m. Saturday. It forecast periods of heavy rain, possible thunderstorms and southwest or west winds of 9 to 14 m/s, with gusts of 15 to 20 m/s in many areas and up to 23 m/s on the coast. Temperatures will range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius overnight and 14 to 19 degrees during the day.

The service advised residents to remove or firmly secure objects on balconies and in yards, dress appropriately if going outside, and avoid parking cars near trees. Short showers may continue Sunday and Monday, while temperatures are expected to reach 17 to 22 degrees on Monday.

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Take objects that the wind could lift out of balconies and yards, or secure them well. If you must go outside, dress appropriately. Do not park cars near trees.