Trees fell like logs in Tartu, but the damage was small

Strong winds caused damage across Tartu, Estonia, on Thursday and Friday, October 13-14, 2023. Numerous trees fell throughout the city, impacting vehicles and property. A tree in Saekoja street fell onto a car, resulting in an estimated replacement cost of 300 euros for the city.

Another tree in Tuglase and Kreutzwaldi streets sustained damage, according to Tartu city arborist Kaire Zimmer, though the damage was considered minor. The storm also affected cemeteries. Seven trees fell in Raadi cemetery on Thursday, with two additional trees falling on Friday morning.

Kalev Voog, head of Tartu cemeteries, reported that one old fence and one grave were damaged in Raadi cemetery, attributing some damage to the existing root systems. The city’s newer Tuigo cemetery features tree locations away from roadways to mitigate potential root damage during burial processes. Rescue workers responded to multiple incidents, including the removal of a tree that fell on a car in Põltsamaa on the Tallinn highway and the stabilization of wind-blown eaves threatening pedestrians in Jõgeva, where the homeowner was responsible for the repairs.

City officials are currently assessing the full extent of the damage, stating that figures are not yet definitive, but that the impact remains relatively low. Authorities advise homeowners affected by the storm to report damage to the city for documentation purposes.

Topics: #trees #tartu #down