According to LHMT data and reports from residents, fierce tornadoes hit Lithuania in the afternoon of 13 July. Although it is doubtful whether these were two different tornadoes or one that weakened, picked up and came down again, reports indicate that at around 16:00, the storm was moving towards the coast. A storm hit the village of Jauniškės in the Kelme district. Several farmhouses were badly damaged, with roofs blown off, trees and electricity pylons uprooted.

The second tornado (or second wave of the tornado) appeared at around 17:00 in the villages of Vileikiai, Pakapė, Meškiškės and Einoraičiai in Šiauliai District. Here the damage was similar, but over a larger area: roofs of houses were destroyed, outbuildings were damaged, a car was smashed and electricity was cut off. According to the available data, there were no significant injuries to health.

Wind measurements were not taken at the centre of the storm due to the destructive power of the eddies. In many countries, the severity of tornadoes is rated on Ted Fujita's F scale – from F0 to F5. In terms of damage, the latter tornado can be classified as F2 and wind speeds in the middle of the vortex could have reached 60-70 m/s.

LHMT has officially registered 40 tornadoes. The most powerful one so far (tractor lifted, trucks overturned, person killed) was recorded on 29 May 1981 in Širvintos. It is believed to have been of class F2.

This 2024 tornado is equivalent to the 1981 Širvintos tornado and the 2011 Ginkūnai, Šiauliai suburban tornado. All three tornadoes are classified as F2 and had wind speeds of up to 70 m/s. Historical photographs show that the damage in Širvintos was quite similar to the current damage – the stone walls remained standing, so there is no evidence that this tornado was stronger than an F2 rating. The last tornadoes in 2022, 2023 were observed over the Baltic Sea.

Although nature has shown its power this time, the community of Lithuanian citizens is now of paramount importance. Neighbours need to help each other, share resources and other assets. Municipalities must be actively involved and provide assistance to those affected. Only by working together can we overcome the effects of this disaster and rebuild what has been lost.

In the face of this disaster, we are once again convinced that strength lies in unity and the ability to help each other. Let us stand together and support each other in this time of trial.