Supercell storms batter Balkans, causing damage in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Montenegro

A series of extreme supercell storms swept across the Western Balkans, prompting the European Storm Forecast Experiment (ESTOFEX) to issue its highest Level 3 warning for parts of the region. The storms produced intense hail, strong winds, large hailstones the size of nuts, and isolated tornadoes, with the most severe impacts reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Herzegovina and Montenegro.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, heavy rain and wind damaged crops, vehicles and infrastructure, with Nevesinje reporting widespread destruction of fields and numerous cars damaged by large hail. Similar hail and wind events were reported near Kupres, where a thunderstrike killed a flock of 30‑35 sheep. In Herzegovina, the storms were described as “super‑cellular” with violent gusts and hail that threatened homes and power lines.

Montenegro’s town of Pljevlja experienced a short but violent squall that blew down trees, damaged façades, and scattered debris across streets, though no injuries were reported. Croatia’s Dalmatian coast also faced red‑level warnings, with forecasts of strong gusts up to 120 km/h and the risk of maritime hazards. Authorities in the affected countries urged residents to follow official safety advice, avoid non‑essential travel and monitor updates from meteorological services.