Severe storm hits Zagreb: Winds reach 120 km/h, schools close and hundreds of interventions reported

A powerful storm sweeping across Zagreb over the past 24 hours has caused widespread damage, disrupted transport and prompted the closure of schools across the Croatian capital.

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević visited emergency crews on Friday morning before holding a press conference to update the public on the situation following a meeting of the city’s Civil Protection Headquarters.

The severe weather, which includes strong winds, heavy rainfall and snowfall on the nearby slopes of Sljeme, is expected to continue until around midday tomorrow, according to the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service.

Winds Stronger Than 2023 Storm

Wind gusts overnight exceeded 100 km/h, with measurements of up to 120 km/h recorded in the Črnomerec area on Friday morning. According to city officials, these gusts were even stronger than those recorded during the devastating storm that struck the city in July 2023.

The worst-affected areas include the foothills of Medvednica and the western parts of Zagreb extending towards the city centre.

“The situation worsened overnight,” Mayor Tomašević said. “The number of firefighter interventions increased from around 100 to 364, and at this moment approximately 320 more interventions are still waiting to be addressed.”

Thousands of Emergency Calls

Emergency services have been inundated with calls. Around 1,000 calls were made to Croatia’s emergency number 112 in Zagreb alone – nearly the same number recorded across the rest of the country combined.

Several people have sustained minor injuries in the city, while one person in nearby Zagreb County suffered serious injuries but is reported to be out of life-threatening danger.

Authorities have so far recorded damage to more than 150 vehicles and over 50 roofs, including residential and public buildings. Among the affected facilities is the Dražen Petrović Basketball Centre, along with 13 kindergartens, 12 primary schools and seven secondary schools.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Fallen trees and ongoing severe weather conditions are continuing to slow emergency response operations.

Schools Closed for Safety

Due to the dangerous conditions, the City of Zagreb – in coordination with the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth of Croatia – decided to cancel classes in all primary and secondary schools in the city on Friday.

Children who had already arrived at schools and kindergartens were cared for by staff, while parents were advised to keep their children at home if possible.

“Safety is our priority,” Tomašević said. “We do not want around 100,000 students exposed to hazardous weather conditions and risking serious injury simply to attend classes.”

Transport Disruptions Across the City

The storm has also significantly disrupted public transport. Trees fell along Maksimirska Road, damaging tram infrastructure and forcing major reductions in tram services.

Trams are currently unable to travel from the Dubrava depot towards western parts of the city. Repairs cannot yet be carried out due to strong winds, and authorities expect full tram operations to resume only at the beginning of next week.

Buses are partially replacing suspended tram routes.

Sljeme Road Closed, Cable Car Suspended

The road leading to Sljeme remains closed and the cable car to the summit will not operate today or tomorrow.

Since Monday, 110 pupils have been staying on Sljeme as part of an outdoor school programme. Due to unsafe travel conditions, they are expected to remain there until at least tomorrow. Officials say the children are safe, parents have been informed and the Croatian Red Cross is assisting with their care.

Emergency Services Fully Mobilised

All city services and companies within the Zagreb Holding group are currently deployed across the city.

Road maintenance teams carried out 183 interventions overnight, while park maintenance company Zrinjevac recorded 137 operations involving chainsaws and heavy machinery to remove fallen trees.

In total, 35 grappler machines are clearing debris, while waste collection service Čistoća has deployed 44 teams, although waste collection has been temporarily delayed in some areas due to safety concerns and damaged vehicles.

Deputy Mayor and Civil Protection Headquarters chief Luka Korlaet said coordination between services is functioning at the highest level.

“All services are closely connected and exchanging information constantly. If resources are lacking somewhere, others immediately step in to help,” Korlaet said.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid parks and green spaces while the dangerous weather continues and to report only emergencies posing immediate danger to life or property.