Powerful Cyclone Kills Two and Cuts Power to Half a Million Across Baltic States
A powerful cyclone killed two people and left hundreds of thousands without power as it swept across the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia on Saturday, while Europe as a whole continues to experience record heat, wildfires, droughts and a surge in drownings linked to the extreme summer temperatures.
Baltic States Cyclone Leaves Two Dead and Widespread Damage
A powerful cyclone swept northward across the three Baltic states on Saturday, killing two as strong winds, torrential rain and thunderstorms ravaged Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. [5] Meteorological data showed Saturday's storm was the most destructive to hit Latvia since January 2005. [5] Latvia's State Fire and Rescue Service said one person was killed and two others injured when part of a building collapsed in Jelgava. [5] By Saturday night, emergency services had received more than 1,000 calls related to wind damage. [5] Transport was also disrupted, with fallen trees blocking railway lines and halting some train services. [5] RIX Riga Airport warned of flight delays and diversions. [5] In Lithuania, a man was killed by a falling tree in the Anyksciai district, while a woman was injured in a separate incident. [5] Firefighters received more than 1,200 storm-related calls during the day. [5] In Estonia, heavy rain and strong winds continued into Sunday morning. [5] The Estonian Environment Agency forecast 50-70 millimeters of rainfall over 24 hours, with up to 90 millimeters in some areas, while coastal wind gusts could reach 22 meters per second on Sunday as the storm moved northeast. [5] The storm caused extensive damage to power networks across the three countries, disrupting power supplies for about 254,000 people in Latvia, while leaving about 256,000 people without power in Lithuania and more than 3,400 households in Estonia. [5] The cyclone produced the most destructive conditions in Latvia since January 2005, with fallen trees and debris creating widespread hazards that prompted repeated emergency responses. [5] Power outages left hundreds of thousands in the dark across the region, and transport networks faced repeated interruptions from blocked lines and airport disruptions. [5] Officials tracked the storm's northward path as it delivered torrential rain and thunderstorms that compounded damage in urban and rural areas alike. [5]
Europe's Record Heat, Droughts and Wildfires
Europe this summer has had to face record breaking temperatures, which caused droughts, deaths, and caused devastating wildfires. [1] While the latest heat dome has dissipated, the damage remains – the continent continues to be the fastest warming globally. [1] Europe this summer has had to face record breaking temperatures, which caused droughts, deaths, and caused devastating wildfires. [1] While the latest heat dome has dissipated, the damage remains – the continent continues to be the fastest warming globally. [1] The pattern of extreme heat has left lasting effects on landscapes and communities even after the most intense periods eased. [1] Record temperatures have driven multiple crises simultaneously, including prolonged dry conditions and large-scale fire outbreaks. [1] The continent's position as the fastest-warming region has amplified these outcomes across multiple countries. [1]
Drownings in France exceed 300 amid ongoing European heatwaves. — Source: thelocal-france
France Reports Sharp Rise in Heatwave-Related Drownings
France has recorded more than 300 drownings this summer, up sharply from last year, a minister said Sunday, linking the surge to the heatwaves that have swept Europe. [4] France has recorded more than 300 drownings this summer, up sharply from last year, a minister said Sunday, linking the surge to the heatwaves that have swept Europe. [4] The increase reflects broader impacts from sustained high temperatures that have drawn more people to water for relief. [4] Officials have directly connected the rise in incidents to the repeated heatwaves affecting the country and surrounding regions. [4] The total exceeds the previous summer's figure by a notable margin, underscoring the scale of the seasonal challenge. [4]
Ongoing Severe Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding in the US
At 814 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Soldier Creek, or 12 miles west of Mission, moving east at 25 mph. [2] HAZARD...Quarter size hail. [2] SOURCE...Radar indicated. [2] IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected. [2] Locations impacted include Rosebud, Parmelee, Soldier Creek, Ring Thunder, Fairgrounds Housing, He Dog and northwestern Rosebud Reservation. [2] The National Weather Service in Buffalo has extended the Flash Flood Warning for Central Chautauqua County in western New York until 1230 PM EDT. [3] At 904 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. [3] Between 3 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. [3] Additional rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. [3] Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. [3] HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. [3] Thunderstorms producing quarter-size hail moved across parts of South Dakota, while separate warnings addressed life-threatening flash flooding risks in western New York after several inches of rain had already accumulated. [2][3] Radar data confirmed the hail threat in Todd County areas, and ongoing precipitation raised concerns for additional flooding in Chautauqua County. [2][3]
What to watch next: In Estonia, heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to continue, with 50-70 millimeters of rainfall over 24 hours and coastal wind gusts potentially reaching 22 meters per second.
