Thunderstorms warning issued at many places

The Finnish Meteorological Institute on Saturday evening issued an emergency warning on severe thunderstorm.

The warning was issued at 6.55 pm for several hours locally on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki capital area and Eastern Uusimaa, according to a FMI press release.

Boaters were advised to prepare for very strong wind gusts and move to the shore if possible.

Emergency warnings are issued on the radio channels of the Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yle) and on commercial radio channels operating under a long-term licence.

An emergency warning gives additional information on a warning that has been issued.

By law, an emergency warning can be issued if the event poses danger to life or health, or the risk of significant damage to or destruction of property.

During 2014 – 2016 no emergency warnings were issued. During 2013 the Finnish Meteorological Institute issued one emergency warning on June 27, the press release added.