Baltic Nations Brace for Severe Winter Weather: Travel Warnings Issued Amid Blizzards and Icy Conditions

Widespread Winter Warnings Across the Baltics

Baltic nations, including Lithuania and Estonia, have been gripped by severe winter weather, prompting authorities to issue urgent travel warnings. Drivers in both countries have been advised to postpone non-essential journeys as blizzards, heavy snowfall, and treacherous icy roads create hazardous conditions. The extreme weather is part of a broader Arctic blast impacting much of northern, central, and eastern Europe, leading to widespread disruptions.

Lithuania Experiences Unprecedented Snowstorm and Extreme Cold

In Lithuania, the capital city of Vilnius experienced an 'unprecedented snowstorm' on January 9, 2026, which caused massive traffic disruptions. The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service reported persistent wintry conditions, including heavy snowfall and blustery winds reaching up to 17 meters per second. Nighttime temperatures have plummeted to as low as 15 degrees Celsius below zero in some areas, with Western Lithuania also facing continued snow and high winds. The National Crisis Management Center has strongly urged residents to avoid non-essential travel to ensure safety. Earlier in the month, on January 1, Lithuania recorded its coldest night in nearly two years, with temperatures in Salcininkai dropping to minus 20.4 degrees Celsius. Additionally, a yellow warning for fog was active in Klaipeda from the evening of January 12 into the morning of January 13.

Estonia Under Storm Warning Amidst Blizzards and Heavy Snowfall

Neighboring Estonia has also been significantly affected, with a storm warning declared on January 11, 2026, for its waters and approximately half of the mainland. The Estonian Environment Agency Weather Services issued warnings for dense snowfall, amplified by the gulf effect, and blizzards along the coast. Wind gusts reached 15 m/s in Northern and Western Estonia, escalating to 22 m/s along coastal areas. Snow cover was expected to increase by 5 to 15 centimeters in affected regions. The Estonian Transport Administration advised drivers to delay their journeys, particularly in areas such as Lääne-Viru and Ida-Viru counties and Southeastern Estonia, where roads became impassable. Reports indicated traffic accidents on major routes, including the Tallinn–Narva maantee and Tallinn–Tartu maantee, with road maintenance crews prioritizing main arteries.

Regional Impact and Safety Advisories

The severe weather conditions across the Baltic states are part of a wider cold snap affecting Europe, which has led to numerous travel disruptions, including flight cancellations in other countries and widespread power outages. Authorities in both Lithuania and Estonia continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to exercise extreme caution. Drivers are advised to check local weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, maintain safe distances, and adjust speeds accordingly.