Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Disrupt Traffic and Ferries Across Croatia
Widespread heavy rain and strong winds have caused traffic disruptions and ferry cancellations across Croatia, with multiple weather warnings in place.
Illustration: AI-generated image
Heavy rain and strong winds have caused widespread disruption across Croatia today, with the national weather service issuing warnings for most of the country.
The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has activated yellow and orange weather alerts. Orange warnings, indicating potentially dangerous conditions, are in place for the western coast of Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Kvarner, the Velebit Channel, Lika-Senj, Zadar, and Dubrovnik-Neretva counties. The rest of the country is under a yellow alert.
Rain is falling across the entire country, with the heaviest downpours expected in the northern Adriatic and Gorski Kotar. Dalmatia may see thunderstorms, while higher mountain areas could get sleet and snow later in the afternoon and evening. Strong winds are also battering the region, shifting from the southwest to the north and northeast, with gusts reaching storm force in some places. On the Adriatic, the bura wind will strengthen under Velebit and spread along the coast by evening. Temperatures are dropping, with afternoon highs of around 6 to 10°C inland and 17 to 21°C in Dalmatia.
The Croatian Auto Club (HAK) reports that wet and slippery roads are causing traffic problems, with possible landslides and water accumulation from heavy showers. Drivers are urged to slow down and keep a safe distance. Due to flooding, the local road between Blaževci and Zapeć is closed. Strong winds mean the Adriatic highway section between Ston and Zaton Doli is open only to private cars. On state road DC1 near Rudanovac, speed is limited to 30 km/h because of fire and smoke near the road.
Many ferry and catamaran services have been suspended. Ferry lines from Valbiska to Merag, Šibenik to Zlarin-Kaprije-Žirje, Sumartin to Makarska, Sućuraj to Drvenik, and Prapratno to Sobra are not operating. The Dubrovnik to Koločep-Lopud-Suđurađ line has been suspended since 7am. Catamaran connections from Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, and Split are also affected, along with several island routes.
Looking ahead, weather should briefly stabilise over the weekend, with sunnier but colder conditions on Saturday and possible morning frost. However, clouds and rain are expected to return on Sunday evening and continue into Monday, according to HRT forecasters.
Travelers are advised to check the latest updates before setting out, as conditions can change quickly.
