According to a forecast by the Finnish Metrological Institute, a front bringing snow and sleet is expected to move eastward across northern parts of the country overnight. Strong, blustery winds are likely in an area extending from Ostrobothnia in the west into Koillismaa and southern Lapland.
Last weekend, heavy snows damaged trees and caused power outages in large parts of the middle of the country. Many trees in these areas had been damaged or weakened by a major storm in early October.
Power companies have been gearing up again to deal with the impact of stormy weather.
For example, Heini Kuusela-Opas of the Elenia power utility told Yle that her company has been keeping a close watch on weather developments. While the highest winds Thursday night are expected along the coast, areas further inland may also be affected. The Elenia utility, she said, started preparations on Thursday afternoon to deal with the possibility of extensive overnight power outages.