'I visited world's most beautiful city but was left completely terrified'

Daily Mirror

a day ago

A freak storm saw huge hailstones fall from the sky in a holiday hotspot
Split is a stunning seaside city rich in Roman heritage which residents call "the most beautiful in the world". With flights from many UK airports, it's hardly surprising it's so well-loved.
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A getaway to Split provides both the opportunity to laze on beaches and immerse yourself in history. Bačvice Bay serves as the city's most favoured beach, boasting crystal-clear waters and mountain panoramas. And amongst the most sought-after activities whilst in Split is embarking on a boat expedition to the city's islands Šolta, Drvenik, and Čiovo.
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But lumps of ice plummeting from above, blazing trees and roads awash with rushing water aren't exactly what springs to mind for a European European getaway destination loved and visited by around a million people every year.
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What was meant to be an enjoyable boat excursion around the Croatian city's neighbouring islands rapidly transformed into something resembling a catastrophe film when MyLondon reporter Katherine Gray visited.
Katherine said she headed down to the port bright and early for a nine-hour boat journey bearing towels and sunhats as they boarded the boat with excitement.
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She said: "While there were admittedly some heavy looking clouds looming, we weren't deterred. We're Brits, rain can't stop us.
"But just before we disembarked, the heavens opened and a downpour fell from the sky. People were laughing and filming with surprise at the heavy rain.
"But smiles quickly turned to screams as gale-force winds began to hit the city, sending chairs and tables flying all over the nearby promenade. Chunks of ice began to fall from the sky as everyone was forced to duck for cover to try and avoid being hit by the ginormous hailstones."
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The tour guides frantically tried to secure their boat using buoys and ropes, while passengers were directed to go inside it to seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.
She added: "After around 20 minutes we exited the boat and came out to the top deck where we were helped to exit onto the dock. Street furniture was upturned on the pavement and water rushed around the streets.
"The boat tour was well and truly postponed until better weather conditions. But the chaos on the streets left us even more shocked as we were forced to wade through streams of water to get home."
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Online footage also showed trees set on fire due to lightning strikes, while the famous Diocletian's Palace was partially submerged by the heavy downpour.
Katherine said on their journey back to their accomodation in the Old Town, locals told them: "Nothing like this has ever happened before in Split."
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The devastating storm left around 20 people injured, but not seriously, according to Croatia Week. Whilst the hurricane-strength winds and extensive destruction might seem baffling, experts have attributed it to two cyclones that swept across the city.
Dr Ivan Güttler, Director of Croatia's State Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ), explained to Croatian broadcaster HRT: "In recent days, two cyclones passed over our area. What made this event unique was that they encountered a warm surface, both land and sea, which had been heated by previous heatwaves."
When cooler air meets a heated surface, it can generate convection clouds notorious for producing hail, fierce winds and rainfall. The severe weather turned Split's streets into mayhem, with damage to vegetation and buildings disrupting residents' daily lives.
Katherine wasn't too put off by the experience and managed to enjoy the rest of her holiday in the stunning destination.
She said: "And although we were left slightly shaken, the experience didn't have much affect on the rest of our lovely week away in Split which I would still happily recommend for anyone looking for a beach holiday this Summer. We were able to return to the dock a little later in the morning and spend a lovely afternoon exploring the Croatian city's beautiful islands."