VIDEO Meteocunami came back and hit Mali Lošinj: 'Clouds came and then it all started'

A sudden meteorological phenomenon known as a meteotsunami struck Mali Lošinj on Monday, causing waves to rise and recede abruptly along the coast. Witnesses described the event as lasting approximately 20 minutes, during which seawater briefly entered a hallway near the shore before retreating. The incident follows a similar occurrence last week on the island of Hvar, where a meteotsunami left boats stranded on dry land. The phenomenon, characterized by a rapid surge and withdrawal of seawater, was captured on video and shared by the Facebook page Crometeo. A witness recounted the experience, stating that clouds arrived first, followed by the unusual movement of the sea. “The water came into the hallway a little bit, but not too much,” she said. The footage provides visual evidence of the event, highlighting how such occurrences can affect coastal areas unexpectedly. Meteotsunamis differ from traditional tsunamis caused by underwater earthquakes. Instead, they result from atmospheric disturbances, such as thunderstorms or pressure changes, that generate long-period waves capable of traveling across the sea. These waves can grow significantly in size when entering bays or harbors with specific geometric features that amplify their energy through resonance. Petra Mikuš Jurković, deputy director of the State Hydrological and Meteorological Institute (DHMZ), had previously warned about the potential for meteotsunamis in the Adriatic Sea. She noted that the region’s coastline, with its numerous bays and inlets, creates conditions favorable for these phenomena. “Areas like Vela Luka and Stari Grad on Hvar are particularly susceptible due to the shape, length, and depth of their harbors,” she explained. When waves enter such confined spaces, they reflect off the shores and reinforce each other, leading to larger swells. Last week’s event on Hvar demonstrated the real-world impact of this phenomenon. Boats were left high and dry as the water receded suddenly, leaving local residents bewildered. The situation underscored the need for public awareness regarding meteotsunamis, which, while less common than seismic tsunamis, can still cause disruption and damage. Meteorologists emphasize that predicting meteotsunamis remains challenging due to their dependence on complex interactions between weather systems and coastal geography. Unlike earthquake-induced tsunamis, which can be detected by seismic sensors, meteotsunamis often develop rapidly and are harder to forecast accurately. This makes them difficult to warn against in advance, increasing the risk of unexpected impacts on coastal communities. Authorities have called for increased monitoring and research into meteotsunamis, especially in regions like Croatia, where the Adriatic Sea’s unique topography contributes to their formation. Local officials and experts stress the importance of educating the public about the signs of such events, including sudden changes in sea level and unusual wave behavior. As the frequency of extreme weather events continues to rise, scientists are urging closer collaboration between meteorological agencies and coastal authorities to improve early warning systems. While meteotsunamis remain relatively rare, their potential to disrupt maritime activities and threaten coastal infrastructure highlights the growing need for preparedness and vigilance. Residents of Mali Lošinj and surrounding areas are being advised to stay informed about weather conditions and heed any advisories issued by local meteorological services. With another meteotsunami occurring just days after one on Hvar, the message is clear: these unpredictable phenomena demand attention and caution.