Heavy storms hit Italy, Slovenia and Austria, a man was killed by lightning near Celje

Heavy rainfall hit parts of Croatia on Thursday afternoon, with nearly 100 litres of rain falling per square metre within hours, causing power outages at the refinery in Rijeka. The weather disruption affected several areas, including the Kvarner region, leading to damage across multiple locations. Firefighters were deployed to extract water from public and private buildings, while fallen trees disrupted traffic and caused additional hazards. The storm struck Rijeka in the late afternoon, triggering temporary power cuts to the external grid, which includes the Rijeka Oil Refinery in Urinj. The outage impacted production processes and overloaded safety systems, resulting in increased flame and smoke emissions. According to reports, the flare stack, a standard part of the refinery’s safety system, was activated to safely manage process gases during the unexpected situation. Power was restored shortly after, and ongoing efforts focused on stabilizing the production system and gradually restarting operations in accordance with established safety protocols. Officials noted that occasional heightened flames might occur during the coming weeks as the system stabilizes, emphasizing that worker safety, plant integrity, and environmental protection remain top priorities. In Zagreb, strong winds and heavy rain began in the late afternoon, disrupting tram services and creating challenges for commuters. The city faced similar issues as the storm spread across the country. On the island of Rab, firefighters worked extensively to remove water from buildings, including a kindergarten, police station, and residential homes. Several boats were flooded, requiring intervention. In Lopar, crews assisted in repairing damaged roofs and dealt with a collapsed telephone pole. The rainfall on Rab reached nearly 100 litres per square metre within a few hours, with the heaviest downpour recorded between 12 and 13 local time, when over 67.6 litres fell in just one hour. Water entered multiple structures, prompting emergency responses. According to data from the State Hydrometeorological Service, up to 16:30 local time, 97.4 litres of rain had been measured per square metre on Rab. The intense rainfall, combined with strong winds, led to widespread damage. Firefighters continued their work, supported by volunteer fire departments, to address the aftermath. Residents were advised to exercise caution due to potential new issues arising from the heavy rain and strong winds. Local authorities reported that the storm caused disruptions in both urban and rural areas, affecting infrastructure and daily life. In Rijeka, the incident at the refinery highlighted the vulnerability of industrial facilities to extreme weather conditions. The temporary power cut underscored the importance of backup systems and emergency response plans. Meanwhile, the extensive rainfall on Rab demonstrated the severity of the weather event, with its impact on transportation, housing, and public services. Firefighters and volunteers remained active in the affected regions, working to mitigate the effects of the storm. Efforts included removing water from flooded properties, repairing damaged infrastructure, and ensuring public safety. As the situation continues to evolve, officials have emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness, particularly given the possibility of further complications in the days ahead. The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the necessity for robust contingency measures in such situations.