Croatia has been hit by a series of severe summer storms, hailstorms, and wildfires, causing extensive damage and significant travel disruptions, particularly in the popular tourist hub of Split. The extreme weather events have led to flooded streets, damaged infrastructure, and maritime incidents, impacting both residents and visitors across the region.
Unprecedented Storm Slams Split
On July 8, 2025, a powerful storm, described as dramatically more forceful than usual, struck Split. The city, known for its picturesque streets and coastal beauty, experienced torrential downpours and violent gales. The storm’s intensity was attributed to the interaction of cooler, moist air with a warm surface, heated by prior heatwaves, creating towering convective clouds.
- Key Takeaways:
- Widespread flooding of urban streets.
- Numerous trees felled, blocking roads.
- Boats overturned and damaged in the port.
- Approximately 20 people sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Infrastructure and Maritime Mayhem
The storm inflicted severe damage on Split’s infrastructure, particularly its vital port area. The ferry Petar Hektorović broke free from its moorings, colliding with and sinking a tourist excursion vessel and damaging a catamaran. While no passengers were aboard the sunken vessel, the incident highlighted the storm’s destructive power. The city’s west side was particularly hard hit, with water-logged cobblestone streets becoming impassable.
Tourist Hub in Peril
Split’s tourism industry, a cornerstone of Croatia’s economy, has been significantly impacted. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace was closed due to flooding and damage. Travel has been severely disrupted, with public transport installations damaged and ongoing cleanup operations at the harbor affecting ferry services and flights. Many tourists found themselves stranded, struggling to leave the city.
Broader Regional Impact and Outlook
Beyond Split, other parts of Croatia and neighboring countries have also faced severe weather. A catamaran capsized near the island of Kaprije, leading to the rescue of nine people, including seven Swedish nationals. Forecasters had issued warnings for severe thunderstorms across northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine, anticipating heavy rainfall, large hail, and damaging wind gusts.
Experts suggest that these increasingly intense and rapidly developing weather systems are a consequence of climate change. While the immediate severe weather appears to be subsiding, a warmer-than-average summer is expected, with a mix of dry spells and heavy rainfall events. Authorities advise continued caution and preparedness for sudden weather changes.
Sources
- Split Hit Hard by Summer Storm: Flooded Streets and Broken Ships Disrupt Croatia’s Popular Tourist Hub –
Travel And Tour World, Travel And Tour World. - Split storm – what happened and what to expect the rest of the summer, Croatia Week.
- Tourists rescued after catamaran capsizes near Croatian island, Croatia Week.
- Severe thunderstorms forecast for northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine –
The Watchers, The Watchers – Watching the world evolve and transform. - Ferry Sinks Passenger Vessel After Going Adrift in Severe Storm in Croatia, The Maritime Executive.