According to LHMS data and residents’ reports, fierce tornadoes were raging in Lithuania in the afternoon of 13 July. Although it is doubtful whether it was two different tornadoes or one that weakened, picked up and came down again, reports indicate that at around 16:00 the disaster struck the village of Jauniškės in the district of Kelme. Several farmhouses were badly damaged, with roofs blown off, trees and electricity pylons uprooted.
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The second tornado appeared around 17:00 in the villages of Vileikiai, Pakapė, Meškiškės and Einoraičiai in Šiauliai District. Here the damage was similar, but over a larger area: roofs of houses were destroyed, outbuildings were damaged, a car was smashed and electricity was cut off. According to the available data, there were no significant injuries to health.

Wind measurements at the centre of the storm were not taken due to the destructive power of the vortices. In many countries, the strength of tornadoes is rated on Ted Fujita’s F scale, from F0 to F5.In terms of damage, the latter tornado could be classified as F2, with wind speeds in the middle of the eddies of 60-70 m/s.

The LHMS has officially registered 40 tornadoes.The most powerful one so far (tractor lifted, trucks uprooted, person killed) was recorded on 29 May 1981 in Širvintos. It is believed to have been an F2 class.

This 2024 tornado is equivalent to the 1981 Širvintos tornado and the 2011 Ginkūnai, Šiauliai suburban tornado.All three tornadoes are classified as F2 and had wind speeds of up to 70 m/s. Historical photographs show that the damage in Širvintos was quite similar to the current damage, with stone walls remaining standing, so there is no evidence that this tornado was stronger than an F2 rating. The last tornadoes in 2022, 2023 were observed over the Baltic Sea.

Although nature has shown its power this time, the communion of Lithuanian citizens is of paramount importance now. Neighbours need to help each other, share resources and other assets.Municipalities must be actively involved and provide assistance to those affected.Only by working together can we overcome the effects of this disaster and rebuild what has been lost.

In the face of this disaster, we see once again that strength lies in unity and the ability to help each other. Let us stand together and support each other in this time of trial.