The snow storm expected on Friday night into Saturday may become the strongest this winter
Latvia is bracing for a significant snowstorm starting Friday morning, with up to 25 cm of snow expected in many areas and strong winds causing potential travel disruptions.
On Friday morning, Latvia will begin experiencing a widespread precipitation zone moving in from the southwest, leading to moderate to heavy snowfall across the country. Particularly in the southeastern regions, rain and sleet are also anticipated. The strongest snowfall is predicted to ease off by Saturday morning in Eastern Latvia, but overall, the country can expect 10-25 centimeters of fresh snow, with lesser amounts in the northwest regions such as Ventspils and Kolkasrags, as well as Salacgrīva and Rūjiena.
The weather will be further complicated by strong gusts of wind from the east and northeast, reaching 11-16 meters per second, and up to 20 meters per second along the Kurzeme coast of the Gulf of Riga. In the capital city, a light snowstorm will commence Friday morning, intensifying throughout the day and gradually tapering off into the night. Authorities warn that due to severe snowfall and blizzard conditions, many roads may become impassable, and railway tracks could also be obstructed in certain areas.
By Saturday, weather conditions are expected to improve slightly, with skies clearing in many parts of the country. The wind will shift to the north and gradually decrease in speed, allowing for some respite by the end of the storm. However, the immediate impact of the snowstorm on transportation and everyday activities in Latvia is likely to be significant, raising concerns about travel safety and the capacity of local services to respond to the weather challenges.