Gales Leave 900 Households Blacked Out
Published: 14.09.2011 11:15
Photo: Postimees/Scanpix
High winds, which picked up in the early hours of September 14, had left a total of 940 households across the country without electricity by 9:00.
According to Eesti Energia, blackouts have been most extensive on the island of Hiiumaa and Harju County, where the power outage affected all together around 800 people.
Gusts of 83 kph - the remnants of the tropical storm Katia that, after crossing the Atlantic, worked havoc on the British Isles on Monday - reached Estonia at night. The Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (EMHI) forecasts that as the day progresses, the winds in coastal areas can reach 90 kph and as high as 97 kph on the islands off the western coast.
By nightfall, however, the forecasters expect the gales to gradually recede.
Strong showers are expected in the northwest and northern part of Estonia, said Ele Pedassaare, EMHI forecaster. "The conditions is southern Estonia are much better, as there will be less rain and even a chance of a sunny spell," she said.
Ingrid Teesalu