Storm Jari causes widespread power outages in southern Finland as it moves northward

On Wednesday, a severe storm named Jari battered southern Finland, and it is expected to push northward throughout the night and into Thursday as a low-pressure system moves slowly over the western Gulf of Finland and southwestern parts of the country. Meteorologist Matti Huutonen has indicated that the most significant damage from the storm is yet to come.

“The upcoming hours will reveal the extent of potential power outages. The strongest winds will impact regions from Ostrobothnia through Central Finland to North Karelia,” he noted. The northeast winds can present a dangerous challenge, as they are less frequent and can lead to easier tree falls.

By late Wednesday evening, the number of customers without electricity rose sharply, exceeding 70,000 around 10 PM. Huutonen expressed surprise at the early surge, anticipating such numbers later in the night. It is possible the outages could surpass 100,000. Many may also wake up without internet service due to malfunctioning towers.

In some areas, nighttime rainfall could accumulate to 30 centimeters, accompanied by temperatures hover around freezing. This situation may result in heavy snow clinging to trees, leading to branches breaking under the weight, especially under windy conditions. The snow load may persist as cold weather is forecasted for the end of the week.

The rain will continue to shift northwards on Thursday, reaching regions like Oulu and Kuusamo by morning. Yet, southern areas might also experience showers in the storm’s wake, potentially creating significant snowdrifts due to the stagnant low-pressure system. A notable easing of the weather pattern is expected by Friday.