How to know a storm is coming?
The Estonian Weather Service, Estonian Rescue Services Agency, and other official channels — as well as the media — provide advance warnings about approaching storms.
If a storm warning is issued, always follow official instructions.
Weather Service warnings are divided into three categories:
| 1. Hazardous weather | Weather may occasionally be dangerous. Keep this in mind if your activities depend on the weather. Follow forecasts. |
| 2. Very hazardous weather | Unusual and dangerous weather phenomena are occurring. Stay alert, monitor forecasts constantly, be aware of unavoidable risks, and follow all official recommendations. |
| 3. Exceptionally hazardous weather | Extremely dangerous conditions with a high risk of major damage. Prolonged severe weather may cause a natural disaster, posing a danger to life and health. Monitor developments continuously via TV, radio, or the internet, and follow all official orders without exception. Be prepared for emergency measures.. |
Read more about weather warnings on the Weather Service’s website: warnings and warning criteria.
You can follow current warnings on the Weather Service’s website as well as the ILM+ app.
Warnings
ILM+ app for Android
ILM+ app for Apple products
How to prepare for a storm
Before the storm
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Bring in or secure loose objects in your yard that could be blown away by the wind.
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Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank and park it safely (not under large trees). If possible, use a garage.
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Prepare for possible power outages: fully charge your phone and power bank.
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Unplug electrical appliances overnight or before leaving home for a longer period — storms can intensify unexpectedly.
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Stock up on drinking water and food.
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Make sure family and loved ones are informed about the storm and check that they are safe.
During the storm
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Stay indoors and keep pets inside.
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Avoid driving. If you must drive, adjust your speed and watch for fallen trees or other obstacles.
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Stay away from downed power lines and report them to Elektrilevi’s fault line at 1343 or via the MARU app.
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Use a battery-powered flashlight instead of candles during a power outage.
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Report outages to your electricity provider.
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For injuries or immediate threats, call 112.
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If your car is stuck in snow but there is no immediate danger, call a tow truck or contact 4x4 Help volunteers (4x4help.eu).
Nota bene!
Special Advice During Thunderstorms
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Do not charge devices such as phones, batteries, electric cars, or scooters.
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Avoid sheltering near trees, utility poles, or power lines.
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Stay indoors — do not run outside or watch the storm from an open window.
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Avoid using showers, baths, or saunas.
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Do not light a fire in the fireplace.
When to Call 112 or 1247
Call 112 if:
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Someone’s life, health, or property is in danger.
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A tree has fallen onto a road or power lines, or snowbanks are blocking traffic.
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An obstacle on the road limits visibility and creates a hazard (e.g., on a curve).
Call 1247 if:
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A national highway is slippery or difficult to pass.
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There is an obstacle in one lane of a national highway, but the road is still passable.
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A traffic sign is broken, missing, or misleading.
Important notes
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During major storms, waiting times for 112 and 1247 may be longer than usual.
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Stay on the line — if you hang up and call again, you’ll move to the end of the queue.
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Use 1247 for general questions to keep 112 free for emergencies.
Last updated: 13.08.2025
