Powerful Storm Bettina ravages Black Sea region with hurricane-force winds, severe storm surge, flooding and snowstorms

Hurricane-force winds reaching speeds of 144 km/h (90 mph) and a significant tidal surge caused by a powerful Mediterranean cyclone named Storm Bettina have devastated parts of the Crimean Peninsula, particularly impacting Sevastopol and surrounding districts on November 25 and 26, 2023. The storm has led to widespread power outages, affecting nearly 500 000 residents, and causing considerable flooding and property damage. Bettina’s center moved over land early November 27 and is now heading northward.

The impact of Storm Bettina was felt intensely across the Crimean Peninsula and neighboring regions, as fierce winds and a tidal surge brought down trees, tore roofs from buildings, and caused widespread power outages. Nearly 500 000 Crimean residents were left without electricity, particularly in Sevastopol and the districts of Sak, Krasnogvardeysky, and Krasnoperekopsky.

In addition to the power crisis, water supply disruptions have been reported in several communities. The storm’s severity also resulted in significant flooding in various municipalities along the southwestern shore, including the popular Black Sea resort city of Yevpatoria. There, rescue teams were deployed to relocate approximately 142 people to safer, temporary facilities.

The flooding extended to major roads, notably the highway linking Saki and Yevpatoria, severely impacting transportation and accessibility.

As of Sunday night, November 26, three individuals had been hospitalized with injuries related to the storm. At least 23 houses and 17 vehicles have been reported as damaged, with numerous trees and billboards also succumbing to the storm’s force.

Sevastopol’s Governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, following an emergency meeting early Monday morning, highlighted the ongoing severity of the situation. He indicated that the peak of Storm Bettina was still anticipated, and authorities in Crimea were actively assessing the extent of the damages. Restoration efforts to reinstate electricity have reportedly begun on Monday morning, November 27.

In preparation for potential worsening conditions, including sub-zero overnight temperatures, efforts were underway to reinforce the roads in the most affected areas. Razvozhayev, in his statement on Telegram, emphasized the continuous work of rescue services, particularly during the critical period from Sunday into Monday.

The initial storm warning was issued by Russia’s Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) on Thursday, November 23, in anticipation of the Mediterranean cyclone. In response to the escalating crisis, local authorities in Crimea declared Monday, November 27, a non-working day, urging residents to stay indoors and allow emergency services to address the aftermath.

The impact of Storm Bettina has extended beyond the peninsula, affecting oil operations in Russia. Crude loadings at Russia’s Novorossiysk and the CPC terminal were halted, leading to a noticeable drop in Kazakhstan’s oil production.

Additionally, the Hellenic National Meteorological Center issued a Code Orange emergency warning on Friday, November 24, as the storm approached Greece. The forecasters predicted stormy conditions throughout Greece, including heavy rain and snowfall in the highlands, with a temperature drop of 8 to 10 °C (15 – 18 °F) in the Ionian region on Sunday.

In a related incident, the Athens News Agency reported the sinking of the freighter “Raptor” off the island of Lesbos on Sunday, November 26. The ship, en route from Egypt to Istanbul, encountered mechanical issues during the rough seas produced by Bettina. Out of 14 crew members, one was rescued by a Hellenic Navy helicopter, with a search operation ongoing for the remaining 13.

The storm has also affected other neighboring regions with severe winds, flooding, and snowstorms.

Major storm surge and large waves at the coast of Sochi, Russia flooding streets this morning following. #StormBettinapic.twitter.com/0mHc5XBo3M

— MetWatch ☈ (@MetWatchUK) November 27, 2023

Heavy snow has indeed affected areas around the Black Sea this weekend as mentioned earlier in the week! These are the severe #blizzard conditions around #Odesa Oblast, SW Ukraine this afternoon as #StormBettina affects the area. #SevereWeather

Video via @antiputler_news pic.twitter.com/U537A5FocH

— WEATHER/ METEO WORLD (@StormchaserUKEU) November 26, 2023

Sochi. Со́чи
Rusia 🇷🇺
Mar Negro #StormBettina
🌊🌊🌊 pic.twitter.com/g7t1NHLR26

— Karlos Lopez (@KarlosLpez1) November 27, 2023

#StormBettina blizzard conditions this morning near Ruse, Bulgaria.
It may be dangerous but there is beauty to be seen too. 🌨️ pic.twitter.com/3cgwmskl05

— Chris (@MetChrisUK) November 26, 2023

Cyclone is getting 970 mbar again at the Black Sea today.

Via: @bulent__dgn pic.twitter.com/StBUFPsSVm

— FocuSeaTV (@focuseatv) November 26, 2023

Storm in Crimea, southern Ukraine and southern Russia rn.

this is Crimea

-> pic.twitter.com/9Qbn6xSUoN

— senore_amore (@SenoreAmore) November 26, 2023

References:

¹ Crimea battered by powerful storm (VIDEOS) – RT – November 26, 2023

² Sailors missing after gale-force winds sink freighter off Greek island – FOX Weather – November 26, 2023

³ Powerful Storm “Bettina” Leaves 500,000 Crimea Residents Without Electricity, Viral Videos Spread Online – Times Now World – November 27, 2023

Featured image: Satellite image of Storm Bettina at 19:00 UTC on November 26, 2023. Credit: EUMETSAT/Meteosat-10, Zoom Earth, The Watchers