Lošinj is underwater again, storm system moves over Slovenia

The island of Lošinj has once again been hit by severe weather conditions as a storm system moves over Slovenia. Following yesterday’s intense storm, which caused significant damage on the Adriatic coast, the situation appears far from calming down. Today, residents and visitors on the small island were caught off guard by powerful rain showers, thunderclaps, and an unexpected rise in sea levels that flooded parts of the coastline. According to reports from the Croatian portal 24sata, the entire episode lasted approximately 20 minutes. A local resident described how clouds initially approached, followed by an abrupt surge in sea level that began flooding areas along the quay. In some spots, water reportedly reached the hallways of buildings. This kind of occurrence had last happened on Lošinj roughly 15 years ago, after which new quays were constructed to mitigate such risks. Meteorologists have issued a yellow weather warning for the area, indicating potentially dangerous conditions. They predicted strong storms with thunderstorm bursts, particularly under Mount Velebit, as well as localized heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder. Residents and tourists have been advised to remain cautious due to the possibility of stronger thunderstorms and objects being carried by strong winds. The island was already severely affected by a storm early yesterday morning, according to previous reports. The worst damage occurred in camps at Lopari and Rapoća, where initial information suggested the area had been hit by a tornado. Strong whirlwind winds uprooted trees and damaged cars, caravans, trailers, and tents. Two guest camps were also damaged, and guests were evacuated by helicopter to a clinic in Rijeka due to extensive injuries. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage, though preliminary reports indicate it is substantial. Severe weather is not limited to Lošinj alone. Intense thunderstorms have developed today over northern Italy, where large amounts of rain fell, according to reports. The same storm system that formed over Italy moved north of the island of Pag or directly above the island of Rab, as noted by the portal Neurje.si. Their forecasts suggest that a new storm system could develop overnight over northern Italy, with its rain band possibly reaching western Slovenia and then moving across much of the country. While more dangerous weather phenomena are not currently expected, occasional transitions of rain and thunderstorms will be possible. Residents of Slovenia are bracing for further unpredictable weather conditions. Arso, the national meteorological service, predicts unsettled weather for tomorrow. The morning will mostly be sunny, but in the afternoon, rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect larger parts of Slovenia. Along the coast, strengthened west to northwest winds may accompany the thunderstorms. The storm systems affecting the region are part of a broader pattern of unstable weather conditions that have persisted across the Adriatic and into Central Europe. These developments highlight the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change, although specific attribution to this phenomenon remains complex. Local authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation and prepare for potential further disruptions. Emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond should additional incidents arise. Meanwhile, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during these volatile weather conditions.