Meteotsunami on Hvar: the sea rose and fell several times, parts of the coastline flooded
Strong southerly wind, thunderstorms and local surges caused oscillations up to 55 centimetres and prompted level 2 and orange warnings.
Unusual surges and oscillations of sea level struck part of the Croatian Adriatic on 26 July 2026, when sections of the coast and islands were hit by thunderstorms, a strong southerly wind and local heavy downpours.
According to published data up to 14:30, the most rain fell in Vodice — 9 liters per square meter, while Pula recorded 8 liters per square meter. Torrential storms developed out at sea that partially weakened before reaching the shore, but in some places southerly gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour and frequent lightning strikes were observed.
Sea that rose and withdrew quickly
In Stari Grad on Hvar the sea level rose by approximately 40 centimetres above normal around 13:30 and overflowed the shore, flooding parts of the terraces of several restaurants; the total oscillation of the level there amounted to about 55 centimetres. In the Kornati Islands, in Vruljski Bay, an even more extreme phenomenon was recorded.
A reader who filmed the video estimated that the sea level rose to about one metre and then retreated just as quickly, and he generally claims the cycle repeated six or seven times within only 15 minutes.
For the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea the European Storm Forecast Experiment (ESTOFEX) issued a level 2 warning, while the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) issued an orange warning for coastal areas. Meteorologists point out that the most pronounced deterioration is expected in the late afternoon and evening hours; precipitation will be very uneven — locally between 10 and 30 liters per square meter may fall in a short period accompanied by more intense thunderstorms.
Due to the strong southerly wind and the risk of lightning, firefighters on Brač are at the highest state of alert. The mayor of Supetar urged residents and tourists to be extra cautious and asked them to immediately report any fire they notice or suspect to the fire service at number 193.
According to forecasts, the weather will begin to calm from Monday, with temperatures gradually increasing.
Photo: Printskin/Iks
