According to the latest forecast of the State Hydrometeorological Institute for Mariners, occasional strong gusts of bora and tramontana are expected in the Adriatic today, especially at the foot of Velebit, where the wind can reach up to 60 knots. However, the wind will gradually weaken during the day. In the northern and central Adriatic, strong seas and occasional rain, showers and thunderstorms are still possible in the morning. Visibility will generally be very good, but locally reduced due to precipitation. Clearing is expected during the day.
This announcement comes a day after a strong storm hit most of Croatia, leaving behind a series of problems and warnings about the increasingly frequent unpredictability of weather conditions.
Storm ravages Croatia
Yesterday, Croatia was hit by a severe thunderstorm that brought heavy rainfall, storms and numerous firefighting interventions. Among the hardest hit were Istria and Kvarner, with more than 2,500 lightning strikes recorded in just two hours. In Poreč, more than 50 mm of rain fell per square meter in a short time, causing flooding of roads and torrential rain. The highest amount of rain was recorded in Pomer, as much as 65 mm. Strong winds toppled trees, and electricity supplies were disrupted in several places.
Large amounts of precipitation were also recorded in the Neretva Valley, especially in the area around Metković and the municipality of Slivno, where over 200 liters of rain fell per square meter in 48 hours, the most since measurements began in 1930. 2024. Water penetrated houses, basements and greenhouses, and firefighters intervened more than 40 times. Fortunately, the level of the Neretva River did not rise significantly, so the damage was limited.
In the central and southern Adriatic, especially in the Split-Dalmatia County, firefighters were removing fallen trees and pumping water out of flooded buildings. Traffic was difficult, and ship and ferry traffic was carried out with special safety measures. The ferry “Zadar” was unable to dock in the port of Vis yesterday, but had to anchor in front of the port because the weather conditions did not calm down.
Around 3 pm, a large fire broke out in the area of Jasenovo and Žaborić, south of Šibenik, caused by a lightning strike. The strong wind accelerated the spread of the fire, which threatened the caravan park and nearby buildings. Thanks to the quick and coordinated action of 60 firefighters with 30 vehicles, the fire was localized around 7 p.m. without the need for evacuation and without material damage to the buildings. About 40 hectares of low vegetation, maquis, pine forest and olive trees were burned.
A call for caution and a follow-up warning
Such weather disasters, which include sudden changes in weather, heavy rainfall, lightning and fires, are becoming more frequent during the summer. Yesterday’s storm is a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. It is recommended that everyone, both seafarers and citizens on land, regularly monitor official forecasts and warnings, as well as follow all instructions from the relevant services. Timely response and information are key to safety.
