Severe storm hits capital Zagreb, Croatia, heavy rain falling across SE Europe
A severe storm is affecting Croatian capital Zagreb and the surrounding region on May 12 and 13, 2019 with powerful winds and heavy rain. At least 2 people have been injured. Severe weather system affecting the region is expected to dump very heavy rain on parts of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the days ahead – floods and landslides are likely.
The storm hit the city late May 12 and increased early May 13, downing trees and power lines, and causing severe traffic disruption during morning rush hour.
Police urged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel if possible.
Firefighters said they responded to more than 240 interventions since May 12.
At least two people have been injured in separate incidents after winds up to 70 km/h (43 mph) turned over commercial stands.
Ravnateljstvo civilne zaštite @mup_rh Do 7:15 sati Županijski centar 112 Zagreb zabilježio je 240 intervencija operativnih službi. Dvije su osobe ozlijeđene uslijed jakog i olujnog vjetra (pješak na Trgu bana J.Jelačića i ženska osoba na koju je pala grana na Črnomercu). pic.twitter.com/JPh1gZGKbk
— MUP-RH (@mup_rh) May 13, 2019
Major rainfall event is unfolding over the western Balkans and parts of the Apennine peninsula – with up to 300 mm (11.8 inches) or more expected by the second half of the week.
The source is cutoff upper low fully formed over central Italy Sunday morning, May 12 and expected to continue affecting the region for a week or so.
"The cutoff upper low will persist over the region for much of the next week, before drifting eastwards and gradually filling during the next weekend. It will cause persistent convective and orographic rainfall over the Dinaride mountain range in the western Balkans and parts of the central Apennines," Severe Weather Europe meteorologists said.
"Parts of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will likely receive close to 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall by the second half of the week, while parts of the central Apennines will accumulate 100 – 200 mm (3.9 – 7.8 inches).
"Locally significant flooding is expected particularly in parts of the western Balkans where peak rainfall totals are expected! Due to the extended rainfall there will be sufficient time for infiltration and ground saturation – expect high risk for landslides!"
GFS forecast models
Featured image credit: MUP-HR
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