Severe storm hits Croatia, dumps record-breaking rain

The same storm that caused widespread damage and floods in Italy over the past few days, hit most parts of Croatia during the same period. The storm left one person missing. The entire coastline was hit by strong and damaging waves, while some islands reported relatively rare seiche. Another severe weather event is expected on November 1.

Hurricane-force Jugo winds, one of the strongest in recent years, and exceptionally high sea affected almost entire Croatian Adriatic Coast on October 28 and 29. Numerous trees were downed, disrupting traffic and causing localized power outages. 

Wind gusts up to 156 km/h (97 mph) were registered in Mosor, 22 km (14 miles) E of Split. Average winds in the city of Split were 83 km/h (51 mph) with gusts to 126 km/h (78 mph).

The storm dumped record-breaking 156 mm (6.14 inches) of rain on the city of Delnice to 06:00 UTC, October 29. This is the highest 24-hour rainfall (for any month of the year) since 1981, when detailed measurements in the city began. 

Senj received 124.7 mm (4.90 inches) of rain during the same period, Imotski 113 mm (4.44 inches) – the highest 24-hour October rainfall since measurements began.

A seiche (known locally as šćiga) was recorded in the city of Hvar after 22:00 UTC, October 29:

One person, a young surfer from Slovenia, is missing since October 29 after he decided to go surfing near Savudrija lighthouse, northwestern Istria, NW Croatia. Search and rescue operation is still in progress.

Another severe weather event, similar to this one, is expected on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Featured image: Severe storm hits Volosko, Croatia on October 29, 2018. Credit: poduckun.net