Red storm warning in effect for most of the country

A severe weather warning is in effect tonight for most of the country. 

The Zagreb and Karlovac areas are expected to be hit hardest, with rain, thunderstorms, hail, and high winds overnight. Meteorologist Tomislava Hojsak warns that these types of summer storms should not be taken lightly.

"The first in line are the western parts of the country - the northern Adriatic, the mountain regions and especially central Croatia. So, as temperatures increased during the day, we expect strong thunderstorm development, possibly hail, strong gusty winds, as well as heavy rain, since this system will be moving eastward very slowly,” Hojsak told HRT.

"Thunderstorms in these conditions can be severe and with heavy rain there is a chance of flash flooding, so going outdoors is not recommended,” Hosjak added.

Large black clouds loomed over Rijeka at around 9 pm, lightning flashed and a heavy shower began. Hail was reported in Mali Lošinj and heavy rain on Cres.

Severe hail also fell in the vicinity of Karlovac. Due to the brief but powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain, wind and hail, firefighters were called to intervene at four locations.

The stormy weather is expected to continue overnight.