Storm brings strong winds and rain to southern Finland

A summer storm will sweep across southern and eastern Finland over the weekend, Yle reports. Strong winds may bring down trees and cause local power cuts, but widespread damage is unlikely.

Strong winds and heavy rain will reach southern Finland on Saturday evening before moving east. Gusts may exceed 15 metres per second, according to Yle meteorologist Aleksi Lohtander. A wind warning is in force for land areas in southern and eastern Finland, while winds over the Gulf of Finland may approach storm-force levels.

Some areas could receive up to 40 millimetres of rain. The heaviest rainfall is expected overnight and on Sunday morning in southern and eastern Finland.

During the night, gusty winds will affect a region stretching from Uusimaa to North Karelia. The winds may bring down trees and cause local power outages. Lohtander said widespread damage was unlikely, but advised people to move patio furniture indoors.

Winds in Finland usually come from the southwest during strong-wind events, but this storm is bringing winds from the northeast. Lohtander said the direction could increase the risk of wind damage.

Southern and eastern Finland will remain windy and rainy on Sunday. By Monday, the last showers will move east of Finland, although winds will remain gusty.

The storm brought heavy rain and gusty winds to the Baltic states earlier on Saturday. In Lithuania, strong winds brought down trees and cut power lines. One person was killed by a falling tree in Utena County, according to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT. About 155,000 people in Lithuania were without electricity.