Intense storms ravaged Croatia and Slovenia on Wednesday, resulting in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries. These storms, the second in two days, followed a period of scorching temperatures and dry conditions. Other parts of Europe continue to grapple with heat waves, wildfires, and public health concerns.

In Zagreb, Croatia's capital, two men lost their lives due to falling trees. One victim, aged 50, was struck while outdoors, while another, aged 48, was in his car. Both suffered severe head injuries. Another fatality occurred in the town of Cernik when a tree fell on a car. A construction crane collapse in Zagreb resulted in serious injuries for a 36-year-old man.

The storm brought sudden darkness, torrential rain, flash floods, and powerful winds to Zagreb, starting around 4 p.m. City transportation was disrupted, power outages were widespread, and fallen trees obstructed streets. Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls for assistance, urging residents to only contact them for life-threatening situations.

Neighboring Slovenia also experienced significant damage. High winds uprooted trees, ripped roofs from buildings, and caused widespread power outages. In the Lake Bled region, a falling tree tragically killed one person and injured another. As the storm moved eastward, Serbia issued warnings to its citizens, and strong winds swept through Belgrade.

Tuesday evening saw similar storms wreak havoc across Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia. These storms, while disruptive, brought much-needed relief from the intense heat. Tens of thousands in Slovenia lost power, and numerous campers were evacuated due to strong winds overturning tents. Significant damage was reported in high-altitude forests, prompting authorities to issue warnings to climbers.