Finnish power companies prepare for weekend storms as damage from previous winds lingers

Several Finnish electricity providers are bracing for strong winds expected late Sunday, warning of potential power outages, Yle reports. The alert comes as crews continue repairing damage from earlier this week, with some areas still experiencing lingering disruptions.

Companies including Savon Voima in Northern Savo, PKS-Sähkönsiirto in North Karelia, Kymenlaakso’s electricity network, and Lappeenranta Energy have increased staffing in both call centers and field operations ahead of the forecasted gusts. The Finnish Meteorological Institute predicts peak winds of 15–20 meters per second across southern and central Finland on Sunday, with some areas exceeding 21 m/s.

Wednesday’s windstorm left tens of thousands without power. As of Friday morning, PKS-Sähkönsiirto still reported around 30 unresolved faults in its low-voltage network.

Winter weather returns with hazardous driving conditions

A low-pressure system moving in from the west will bring precipitation—partly as snow—to southern and central regions on Saturday, accompanied by strong coastal gusts. Overnight into Sunday, the system will shift east, leaving lingering snowfall in eastern Finland.

Fintraffic, the national transport agency, warns that the combination of snow, sleet, and blustery winds will create difficult or extremely difficult driving conditions. Roads in eastern Finland may remain slushy and snow-covered through Sunday morning. The Päijät-Häme welfare region has advised against driving on summer tires, while Helsinki’s emergency services urged extra caution, emphasizing the risks posed by drivers who have already switched to summer tires.