Bosnia and Herzegovina has been hit by a series of powerful storms that brought intense lightning, torrential rain, large hail, and damaging winds, leaving widespread destruction across several regions. The most severe incidents occurred near Kupres and Han Pijesak, where lightning strikes killed more than 50 sheep and goats over two days, dealing a major financial blow to local farmers and highlighting the dangers of the extreme weather.
One of the worst incidents took place on Mount Hrbina near Kupres, where a lightning strike hit a flock of sheep grazing on open pasture, killing between 30 and 35 animals. Just two days earlier, another lightning strike near Han Pijesak killed 20 sheep and four goats under similar circumstances. Together, the two events resulted in the loss of more than 50 livestock, significantly impacting farmers who rely on mountain grazing during the summer season.
The storms also caused extensive damage across other parts of the country. In Nevesinje and nearby villages, hailstones reportedly reached up to five centimeters in diameter, damaging crops, orchards, vehicles, rooftops, and buildings. Streets and fields were briefly covered in ice as the storm passed through, while powerful thunderstorms spread across Herzegovina, affecting areas including Ljubuški, Čitluk, Stolac, and Čapljina.
Strong winds caused additional destruction in Bugojno, Donji Vakuf, and Travnik, where roofs were torn from buildings, trees and branches blocked roads, and heavy rain destroyed gardens and agricultural land within minutes. Local authorities have begun assessing the damage, while many farmers fear they have lost a significant portion of this year’s harvest.
Meteorologists had warned of unstable weather conditions before the storms developed, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and large hail. According to weather experts, fast moving air currents in the upper atmosphere created favorable conditions for rapidly intensifying storm systems capable of producing severe local weather.
The recent storms are another reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events across the Balkans. While emergency services continue assessing the damage, authorities are urging residents to monitor weather warnings and take precautions during severe storms, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where lightning and large hail pose the greatest risks.
