Gale-force west winds set to batter western Finland on Tuesday

Gusts could top 20 m/s in parts of western Finland on Tuesday, the Finnish Meteorological Institute says. It warns these winds could cause significant damage and widespread power outages across western and central Finland.

Meteorologist Heikki Sinisalo said damage could occur across almost the whole country except Lapland. The worst conditions are expected in the Ostrobothnia regions, Pirkanmaa and Central Finland.

Forecasters expect the strongest gusts around midday or in the afternoon. Morning impacts are already possible in western areas and North Ostrobothnia.

The wind should ease somewhat by evening, though gusty conditions will persist into Wednesday, shifting strongest to the north. A new low pressure system may bring heavy rain to southern and central areas later in the week, and nights in the north will turn colder.

The warning follows earlier forecasts of gusty winds and rain across Pirkanmaa in late August and a separate low-pressure system that brought rain to the region earlier in the month in early August.