Red alert issued as floods hit southern Croatia

(Photo credit: JVP Metković)

Heavy rain and severe storms have caused widespread disruption across southern Croatia, with red weather alerts issued as flooding hit towns and roads.

In Metković, torrential downpours left streets under water and created powerful torrents on local roads.

Water entered several homes and courtyards in lower areas as drainage systems were overwhelmed, portal LIKE Metković reported.

Local residents worked throughout the morning to protect their properties, while emergency services responded to more than 30 calls across the town.

Firefighters from JVP Metković and the volunteer fire brigade were deployed to assist.

According to the “Pljusak” automatic weather station network, nearly 180 litres of rain fell in Metković in just a few hours.

The A1 motorway was closed twice due to heavy rainfall, while on the coastal D8 road at Dubci, a rockfall blocked traffic, the Split-Dalmatia police confirmed, N1 reported.

Further along the Dalmatian coast, heavy rain also struck Makarska and Podgora.

A local resident reported that although the downpour was short, it caused significant damage.

Podgora recorded 108 litres of rain today.

Severe weather was also reported in the Rijeka area, where firefighters carried out around ten interventions overnight. Crews pumped water from five residential buildings, cleared flooded streets, and towed a stranded vehicle.

Volunteer firefighters in Novi Vinodolski responded to flooded business premises and a submerged road.

With more unstable weather forecast, authorities are urging caution on the roads and advising residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.