Lyly storm causes extensive tree damage in western Finland

The Lyly storm that hit last weekend caused significant tree damage along the western and southwestern coasts of Finland. Additionally, trees were reported down or broken in Pirkanmaa and northern Uusimaa due to heavy, moist snow. According to the Finnish Forest Agency, the most affected areas are along the coast of Satakunta and Varsinais-Suomi, specifically in the municipalities of Pori, Eurajoki, Rauma, Pyhäranta, and Uusikaupunki, where initial estimates suggest around 100,000 cubic meters of wood has been lost.

Winds recorded on Friday reached historically high hurricane-force speeds in the maritime areas of western Finland. In Kylmäpihlaja, Rauma, the peak wind speed measured Friday night was 33.5 meters per second, while Tahkoluoto in Pori recorded 30.3 meters per second.

The Finnish Forest Agency reminds landowners that they are legally required to notify the agency if they conduct logging operations due to storm damage. Their website features a mapping service for owners to monitor logging notifications in their vicinity related to wind damage.

The law mandates that forest owners remove storm-damaged coniferous trees to prevent insect infestations, specifically when over ten damaged spruce or more than twenty cubic meters of damaged pine per hectare are present. While individual fallen trees can remain in the forest to promote biodiversity, the agency stresses that cleanup requires professional experience and expertise. Landowners are advised to seek assistance from forest management associations, forestry companies, or service providers to ensure safety, as self-directed tree removal can be hazardous. Additionally, unnecessary travel in storm-damaged areas should be avoided.