Latvia Issues Red Alert As Cyclone Raises Flood Risk

RIGA, Aug 22 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Latvia issued its highest-level weather warning for parts of the country on Friday as a powerful cyclone was forecast to bring torrential rain and strong winds over the weekend, raising the risk of flooding, power outages and transport disruption, reported Xinhua.

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre issued a red warning for heavy rainfall in parts of central Latvia, including areas around Riga and Jelgava.

The warning will run from 8 am on Saturday until 1 am on Sunday, although the affected area could change as forecasts are updated, the agency said.

Authorities said the heavy rain could cause widespread flooding of homes, roads, farmland and gardens, with some roads potentially becoming impassable.

Electricity and water supplies as well as telecommunications services, could also be disrupted.

Latvia's State Fire and Rescue Service urged residents to avoid unnecessary trips outdoors, secure loose objects and charge their mobile phones in preparation for possible power outages.

Several outdoor events across Latvia have been cancelled because of the forecast.

The storm is also expected to hit neighbouring Estonia, where the Environment Agency has warned of heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend.

Estonian electricity distribution operator Elektrilevi said falling trees and branches could cause power outages, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reported. 

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA