Strong winds near hurricane levels disrupt western Finland and leave 20,000 without power

Strong winds are currently affecting western Finland, nearing hurricane-force levels. On Friday, the average wind speed reached 32.2 meters per second at Kylmäpihlaja in Rauma, while at Tahkoluoto in Pori, it peaked at 30.3 meters per second. Meteorologist Matti Huutonen from Yle indicates that these readings are close to hurricane levels, as wind speeds of at least 33 meters per second are classified as such. The highest average wind speed recorded in history was 32.5 meters per second in Bogskär in 2019.

The strongest individual wind gusts measured on Friday were also in Pori, reaching 38.9 meters per second, and 38.3 meters per second in Rauma.

The severe winds have kept the rescue services of Varsinais-Suomi and Satakunta busy throughout Friday afternoon. Fire chief Jussi Löppönen from the Satakunta rescue service reports numerous incidents along the coast. The fire brigade is experiencing a high volume of calls, with new alerts coming in during the interview. The primary concern for rescue teams has been fallen trees.

By just after 8 PM, nearly 20,000 customers were without electricity in western and southern Finland. Power outages were reported in multiple areas across Varsinais-Suomi, parts of Satakunta, and Ostrobothnia, with extensive outages also affecting Häme.