Split records strongest wind gust since measurements began, Croatia

Hurricane-force winds swept through coastal Croatia and neighboring countries on February 23 and 24, 2019, resulting in at least 4 deaths and several injuries.

At 03:00 UTC (04:00 CET) on February 24, the city of Split in southern Croatia registered wind gust of 176 km/h (109 mph) which is the strongest wind gust ever registered in this city.

The strongest gust in Croatia on February 24 was registered in the city of Makarska – 191 km/h (118 mph). The strongest wind gust ever recorded in this city is 212.4 km/h (131.9 mph).

Although this region is used to such strong winds, damage across the central and southern coast was very high, with many downed trees and power poles, damaged roofs and vehicles.

Some roads in Split were closed off for fear of flying glass, tree branches, and other flying debris.

Several small wind-driven fires erupted on Croatia's central Dalmatian coast and one firefighter was slightly injured while tackling a blaze, AFP reported.

The same storm resulted in 4 deaths and several injuries in central Italy, severe flash flooding in Greece and Malta's strongest storm since October 1982. 

All neighboring countries were affected by this severe weather event.

Featured image credit: PIXI Entertainment