Balkan hit by extreme supercell storms after ESTOFEX issues highest alerts

The European Storm Forecast Experiment (ESTOFEX) issued a Level 3 (highest) warning for parts of the Balkans, forecasting dangerous supercell storms with large hail, strong wind gusts up to 120 km/h, intense lightning and a risk of tornadoes. The alert covers Albania, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Severe weather has already caused material damage across the region. In Bosnia‑Herzegovina hail the size of walnuts and a loaf of bread destroyed crops, orchards and farm buildings, while strong wind ripped roofs off vehicles and felled trees. In Herzegovina a thunderbolt killed 30‑35 sheep on Mount Hrbina. In Nevesinje (BiH) hail destroyed fruit, vegetable and wheat fields and damaged countless cars. In Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and islands heavy rain, hail and gusty winds produced local flooding and road closures. In Pljevlja (Montenegro) a short‑lived but intense storm shattered vehicle windshields, uprooted trees and cut power. Local authorities in the affected municipalities have declared emergency situations, set up damage‑assessment commissions and urged residents to follow official warnings.

Meteorologists also noted a lack of modern weather‑radar infrastructure in Montenegro, hampering short‑term forecasts. The combined impact threatens agriculture, transportation and property across several Balkan states.