Massive hailstorms hit Slovenia, other parts of Europe, causing major damage

Intense hailstorm with hail the size of grapefruits hit parts of Slovenia on June 11, 2019, damaging hundreds of homes and cars. Parts of Germany (Bavaria), Italy, Poland, Romania and Croatia also experienced intense thunderstorms with very large hail and massive hail accumulations this week.

The worst-affected were municipalities Kočevje and Črnomelj, with some damage in and around Ribnica and Sodražica, Total Slovenia reports.

More than 200 buildings were damaged in Stari trg ob Kolpi, Črnomelj alone, and about 130 in Kočevje.

Marko Korosec, a weather adviser for traffic and highways, said hailstones the size of oranges (up to 14 cm / 5.5 inches) caused significant damage to cars and houses, leaving complete destruction in some areas.

"Most of the roofs of houses were completely destroyed, cars as well – all windows and windshields shattered. The biggest I measured was 11 cm [4.3 inches] which was two to three hours after the storm. In that time they would have melted by 2 cm to 3 cm [0.8 – 1.2 inches] so in reality, the hailstones were up to 14 cm [5.5 inches] in diameter."

Hailstorms hit the region almost exactly one year after the region suffered massive hail damage. Preliminary estimates suggest this year's damage was not as high.

Intense hailstorms also hit parts of Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania and Croatia this week.

Featured image credit: Marko Korosec