Storm-force winds batter southwestern sea areas

Winds have reached storm force in southwestern sea areas, with average speeds exceeding 21 metres per second in places, Yle reports, citing meteorologist Matti Huutonen.

Gusts have reached 25 to 26 metres per second. Seas are rough in the northern Baltic Sea, with waves measured at 4 to 5 metres at Utö in Parainen.

Huutonen warned that conditions would remain difficult throughout the early part of the night.

On Sunday, the Western Finland Coast Guard rescued two people whose boat was close to sinking in very rough seas west of Hanko. A rescue helicopter winched them to safety at around 6 pm.