Skopje battered by hurricane‑strength winds, dozens injured and extensive damage

On the afternoon of 21 July 2026 a severe windstorm swept across Skopje and the Karpoš municipality. Automated stations recorded gusts of 130‑134 km/h, classifying the event as an orkan/ hurricane. The storm felled 189 trees, damaged 117 passenger vehicles, 35 roofs and seven traffic lights, and sparked five fires. Ten people were reported injured; medical reports from the University Trauma Centre and the St. Naum Surgical Clinic listed 15 patients, two with serious head or limb injuries.

Municipal and national authorities responded quickly. The Karpoš mayor mobilised teams to clear debris and urged residents to help where safe. Police, the Army’s ARM unit and the Crisis Management Centre dispatched crews to secure streets, restore electricity and assist traffic. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health coordinated relief, while insurance companies began damage assessments. Meteorological services warned that additional rain‑laden weather moving from Albania and Kosovo could affect the region later in the day.

Overall, the storm caused material losses to public infrastructure, schools, ministries and the international airport, and generated over 9 000 emergency calls in Skopje alone.