The First Signs of Flooding Have Appeared in Jelgava — Two Streets Closed in the City 0 15

The Lielupe River in Jelgava is still covered with ice; however, ice drift has begun on the Musa and Memele rivers, which merge before flowing into the Lielupe. The likelihood of flooding will depend on whether ice jams form on the Lielupe, reports the program "900 Seconds" (TV3).

"Attention, flooded street!" — such a road sign has been installed on two streets in Jelgava. More than half a kilometer past the sign, at the bicycle-pedestrian bridge over the Svete River, water flows directly on the road.

Currently, Bar Street in Jelgava is flooded, so it is closed. Signs warning of flooded roadways have also been installed on Miezites Road.

A resident of Jelgava encountered by "900 Seconds" reported that no flooded buildings have been noticed in the area.

In the center of Jelgava, the Lielupe is still covered with a thick layer of ice. Before the thaw, the ice thickness in this area exceeded 30 centimeters.

"But these 30 centimeters are difficult to shift, so the river is stagnant," explains TV3 weather news moderator Martins Bergsteins, noting that the calmness of the Lielupe can be deceptive. Ice drift has begun this week on the Musa and Memele rivers, which merge to form the Lielupe. If ice jams form downstream, beyond Jelgava, flooding can be expected in the city.

"Usually, this is the Jelgava — Kalnciems section. There, the river makes several bends. When ice drift begins, jams usually form there, and upstream, the water level starts to rise. This means that Jelgava is the area where the water level will increase," says Bergsteins.

City and county municipal employees in Jelgava are monitoring the situation both through surveillance cameras and by inspecting hazardous areas. The state meteorological center specialists are also warning of the possibility of flooding. If the threat of flooding increases, residents in the risk zone will be notified separately.