Severe storms and fatalities in Slovenia, Austria, and Italy

Slovenia has experienced a period of volatile weather characterized by severe storms and a transition from heat to cooler, more unstable conditions. Initial severe storms brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing material damage such as flooded basements, damaged roofs, and fallen trees, particularly in the municipality of Starše. During this period, a technical error in radar data from an Italian station created concentric circles on weather maps, which the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) clarified were not atmospheric phenomena but data processing artifacts. Following this activity, a cold front moved in to end a period of heat and drought. On Thursday, severe storms hit Slovenia and Austria, resulting in one fatality in Slovenia when a 46-year-old man was struck by lightning near Celje. In Austria, intense storms in Lower Austria led to rapid flooding, with passengers being rescued from flooded vehicles in Haslau an der Donau. Storm activity has intensified, with the Primorska region in Slovenia facing significant impact from severe storms and a tornado. In the municipality of Komen, a tornado damaged 15 structures, five of which sustained heavy damage. Wind gusts reached 106 km/h in Slavnik and 100 km/h at the Piran oceanographic buoy. Emergency services responded to approximately 150 incidents, including damaged roofs, flooded basements, and fallen trees. The storms also caused widespread power outages, affecting nearly 9,300 users in the Elektro Ljubljana area and approximately 5,800 in the Elektro Celje region. ARSO has maintained an orange weather warning for the country. As the cold front continues to drive weather shifts, the Public Agency for Traffic Safety (AVP) has warned drivers of reduced visibility and hazards such as hydroplaning, standing water, and debris.