The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) predicts dangerously strong wind gusts on Wednesday evening in western Finland. It says southerly winds may reach 20 metres per second in the Ostrobothnia, Satakunta and Finland Proper regions.
Coastal areas, especially between Turku and Rauma, may be particularly susceptible to electrical cut-offs. Strong gusts are also expected on Friday night – exactly a year after a major story dubbed Seija struck on December 13, 2013.
Vakka-Suomen Voima and Rauman Energia said on Tuesday that they are raising their readiness level ahead of the predicted windy weather. Pori Energia is to decide soon whether to follow suit.
“So far at least it doesn’t look like a threat of major disruptions,” says Pekka Ohrankämmen, who oversees Pori Energia’s electrical network. “During the winter we normally have three electricians ready to go. We’re now considering whether to expand staffing,” he told Yle.
Stormy weather at sea, too
The FMI also forecasts severe gale-force winds of 21 m/s on the western part of the Northern Baltic, the Sea of Åland and the Sea of Bothnia on Wednesday.
Winds will be gale-force on the eastern part of Northern Baltic, the Archipelago Sea, the Quark, the Bay of Bothnia and the western Gulf of Finland. The eastern part of the Gulf should be slightly calmer though still brisk with winds of 14 m/s.
Very rough waves of more than four metres are expected on the Northern Baltic, the Sea of Åland, the Sea of Bothnia, the Quark and the northern Bay of Bothnia.
Meanwhile drivers in Western Lapland should be ready for slippery road conditions due to snow.