A potent Arctic front stuck at the Alps produced violent storms over much of Croatia late Sunday, July 7, 2019, causing widespread damage to homes, cars and agriculture. Damage reports are coming in from more than half of the country. At least 3 people were injured.
Authorities described the storm as the worst of the year. 12 of the country's 20 counties were affected by heavy rain, strong winds and intense hailstorms.
Zadar took the brunt of the storm with heavy damage reported across the city. At least 58 people were rescued, with a number of tourists.
One city firefighter with 41 years of service said the storm lasted 10 - 15 minutes, but the damage it caused was like nothing he has ever seen before.
Ministry of the Interior said it received over 1 200 calls for help from residents across the country.
Bad weather is expected again late July 8, 2019, but the worst is forecast for the night from July 9 to 10 when the front is expected to cross the Alps and move over Croatia.
Severe storms also hit Serbia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina and other neighboring countries. At least one person was killed in Serbia.
Featured image credit: NASA Aqua/MODIS. Acquired July 7, 2019
