On July 7, 2025, severe thunderstorms struck Hungary, leading to significant disruptions, including the closure of Budapest’s main international airport. Debris scattered across the runways and led to partial flooding in Terminal 2A, prompting an evacuation, though no injuries were reported. Passengers were redirected for check-in to Terminal 2B, while airport authorities advised travelers to be cautious of affected road conditions. As damage assessments began, FlightRadar highlighted that multiple flights, such as a Ryanair connection from Prague, were diverted to Bratislava, with circling aircraft waiting for landing opportunities. The potential for flight cancellations loomed as the unfolding weather situation developed.
The impact extended beyond aviation, significantly affecting Hungary’s national railway system. MÁVINFORM reported substantial delays on the North Balaton train line due to overhead line failures caused by gale-force winds reaching speeds of 150-170 km/h. The storm triggered damage in both northern and southern regions of Lake Balaton, with trees downing branches and disrupting power lines. To mitigate transportation challenges, the National Emergency Centre deployed 50 to 60 buses, assisting stranded passengers while repair crews worked to restore normal services amidst the chaos.
In neighboring Serbia, severe weather warnings were issued by the Republic Hydrometeorological Institute (RHMZ) for regions including Belgrade and Vojvodina. Following the storm’s onset, intense storms led to reports of gale-force winds and heavy rainfall disrupting daily life. In Zrenjanin, strong winds resulted in fallen tree branches and localized flooding. Reports indicated that manholes and drains were obstructed with debris, further complicating the situation. Although an immediate return to sunny weather was forecasted, thunderstorms were expected to persist in northern and western parts of the country throughout the day.
Croatia faced similar tumult as a powerful storm swept across the coast and advanced inland, prompting the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) to issue its highest warning level for the Osijek region, signaling imminent extreme weather. Residents were alerted about potential stormy conditions with hurricane-force winds. The Vukovar-Srijem Police Department received multiple reports of damage associated with the storm, but fortunately, no injuries were recorded. Meanwhile, representatives from the national electric grid cautioned residents in Županja about possible fluctuations in voltage due to the weather’s impact on infrastructure.
In Slovenia, rainfall that had persisted overnight subsided but was projected to intensify again later in the day. The national meteorological service, known as Arso, issued an orange warning concerning the expectation of heavy rains coupled with hail, gusty winds, and lightning. A significant wave of precipitation was anticipated to occur on Tuesday night, resulting in the likelihood of localized storms. Predictions indicated that the western and northern regions of Slovenia would experience the most substantial rainfall as conditions unfolded.
As the storms continued to affect multiple countries in the region, it was clear that heavy rain, strong winds, and the prevalence of adverse weather diversified the challenges faced by authorities and residents alike. Emergency services mobilized quickly to mitigate the impacts, and further updates were awaited as the weather systems interacted across the borders of Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. The urgency of preparedness against ongoing and forecasted severe weather underscored the necessity for vigilance and rapid response by local governments and emergency management teams.
