Storm warnings in northern Finland

Officials have raised the state of readiness of emergency services in Finland’s north-western coastal areas. For the first time, the Finnish Meteorological Institute has issued a wave height warning for the Quark and northern areas of the Gulf of Bothnia. The sea level is forecast to rise by 100-130 cm over night and through Friday morning.

Central Ostrobothnia and Pietarsaari Rescue Service personnel spent much of Thursday going through command and control arrangements.

This meant, among other things, making sure that enough fresh men will be available if stormy weather continues.

“Everyone can’t go all at once for the first call. There has to be a reserve of fresh strength if the situation lasts, for example one or two days,” explains Rescue Service Director Jaakko Pukkinen.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute on Thursday evening forecast rough waves and high seas, with severe gale force winds of 23 m/s in the northern Gulf of Bothnia.

Wind warnings in Finland’s Arctic

Warnings were issued of strong gusts of 20 m/s on land in the middle part of the country and in provinces North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu, as well as in Southern Lapland on Friday.

“Trees fall if the wind rises to 20 metres a second. You can be sure of that,” says Operations Chief Pekka Leppälä of the Kokkolan Energia power utility.

Sea lapping at cottages

If the rise in sea level remains at the 130 cm forecast, it will not pose problems for residential areas or significant infrastructure such as roads.

“A 130 cm rise will, for example, cause problems for seaside cottages and small craft harbours. People should get out to check that their boats are well secured and to take in any loose gear,” Jaakko Pukkinen suggests

Sea levels are expected to peak late Thursday night and Friday morning.