The Latvian Center for Environment, Geology and Meteorology (LVĜMC) issued an orange warning of a possible dangerous thunderstorm on Wednesday, August 30, so the Riga municipality is urging residents to be careful and not stay outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
On the night of August 30, a cyclone will approach the country from the south, which in the morning will bring very strong thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind up to 19 m / s and large hail in many places in the western and central regions of the country. Latvia, reports LVĜMC.
Thunderstorms will continue in the western and central parts of the country until late in the evening. Severe thunderstorms are expected in the eastern part of the country on Wednesday evening with strong gusts of wind and large hail.
Residents should be prepared for very strong thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning. Strong gusts of wind, hail and rain are possible, which cause a sharp rise in the water level and flood the area. Broken tree branches or trees, loose items or debris will be carried through the air. Property damage, disruption to traffic and outdoor activities are expected. It is recommended to seek shelter indoors.
Residents of Riga are asked to report the flooding of the streets by calling the Traffic Control Center of the Riga City Council at the free phone number +37180003600.
The Riga City Council Transport Department reminds that in the event of heavy and simultaneous rainfall, the sewerage system cannot drain the entire volume of water at once, it drains gradually. It should also be taken into account that rainwater drains more slowly in places where the drainage system has not yet been restored.
During heavy rains, those streets of Riga where historically no storm sewer system has been built or have not yet been restored are flooded. New rainwater systems are being built for newly built streets and vehicles, as well as for reconstructed streets. Preventive work is carried out daily, checking both pumping stations and sewers to ensure their continued operation during rains.
Prepared by: Mārtiņš Vilemsons, project coordinator of the External Communications Department of the Riga municipality, e-mail: Email: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv.