Powerful storm forecast to hit islands, western Estonia on Saturday
A powerful storm may hit the west coast of Estonia and the islands on Saturday, the State Weather Service said on Thursday. A storm warning will be issued in the coming days if the forecast continues to predict a storm.
The storm will be short but severe and the Finnish Weather Service had already issued a warning by Thursday afternoon.
Weather forecaster Taimi Paljak admits that a storm cannot be ruled out, but forecasts have been very variable, so wind speeds could be between 13 and 30 m / s.
"There is a high probability this will be a very strong, albeit short storm. Also inland it cannot be ruled out that the gusts will reach 20-25 m / s and on the coast 27-28 m / s, nor can it be ruled out 30 m / s," Paljak said.
The State Weather Service will issue a storm warning on Friday or Saturday morning if the models continue to predict a storm.
Ferry traffic may be disrupted
Paljak said the storm may reach Saaremaa at around 10 a.m. and Hiiumaa between 11 a.m. and noon and then move on to the west coast. Particularly strong winds are expected in Vormsi and Väinameri Sea, between the islands and the mainland.
There is a possibility ferries will be halted between Hiiumaa and the mainland if the conditions are severe. People are advised not to go out on the sea on Saturday.
Paljak said the storm may last from about 11 a.m. 12 noon in the morning until approximately 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the evening.
"Such a real storm may last only three or four hours and then calm down quite quickly again. There will be a rapid strengthening and also a rapid weakening," Paljak said.
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Editor: Helen Wright
