Severe Baltic Cyclone Leaves Two Dead and Hundreds of Thousands Without Power

On the weekend of August 22-23, 2026, a powerful cyclone named “Prisca” moved across Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Belarus. Wind gusts exceeded 30 m/s (about 67 mph) in Riga, the capital of Latvia, and heavy rain fell at rates comparable to half a month’s average in a single day.

A powerful storm swept through the Baltic countries: there are casualties, and the streets of three capitals are flooded

The storm caused two confirmed fatalities: one person was killed in Jelgava, Latvia, when a building collapsed, and another died in northeastern Lithuania after being struck by a falling tree. Injuries were reported in all affected countries, with 14 people seeking medical assistance in Latvia alone.

A powerful storm swept through the Baltic countries: there are casualties, and the streets of three capitals are flooded

Power outages were widespread. According to UNN, more than 250,000 households in Latvia, 150,000 in Lithuania and 3,500 in Estonia lost electricity. Polish reports noted over 145,000 households without power, while Belarus experienced outages in more than 650 settlements. AP described “around half a million people” without electricity across Latvia and Lithuania, and Whalesbook reported “over 500,000 residents” without power in the region, reflecting differing tallies.

A powerful storm swept through the Baltic countries: there are casualties, and the streets of three capitals are flooded

Transport networks were disrupted: trees downed on rail lines halted services, ferry routes to Estonian islands were suspended, and Riga Airport warned of flight delays and possible reroutes. Mobile communications were also affected, especially in Latvia.

Barrhead News

Riga Airport officials indicated that flights could be delayed or rerouted due to the severe conditions. Authorities in the affected nations expected weather to stabilize by Monday, allowing repair crews to begin restoring power.

Cyclone Hits Baltic Region: 2 Dead, Half Million Without Power

The cyclone represents the most severe weather event in Latvia since 2005, testing regional emergency response capacities and highlighting vulnerabilities in power and transport infrastructure. The incident also fuels discussion about the role of climate change in amplifying extreme weather, a factor that could influence future preparedness and insurance considerations across Europe.

Cyclone Hits Baltic Region: 2 Dead, Half Million Without Power

• “This seems to be the most severe storm in Latvia since 2005 in terms of its overall impact,” — Andris Viksna — Andris Viksna, Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center.

Associated Press