Skopje, 22 July 2026 (MIA) - Extremely high wind gusts, approaching historical records, were recorded by the National Hydrometeorological Service (UHMR) during Tuesday’s severe storm. Hurricane-force winds exceeding 130 km/h were measured in several locations across the country, which, according to UHMR, is a rare and destructive event for the region.

“Of the country’s 47 wind-measuring stations, gales and gale-force winds between 62 and 88 km/h were recorded at 12 locations, severe gales between 88 and 102 km/h at 6 locations, a violent storm between 102 and 117 km/h at one location, and hurricane-force winds exceeding 118 km/h at 3 automatic measuring stations. Winds below 62 km/h were recorded at the remaining stations,” the UHMR said on Wednesday.

The Hydrometeorological Service noted that hurricane-force winds are defined as winds exceeding 118 km/h. It clarified that this is an extremely powerful wind event that occurs very rarely in the region and can cause widespread destruction.

It said that its automatic weather station in Shtip measured peak gusts of 134 km/h blowing from the west-northwest at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The automatic station in Skopje registered a peak gust of 130 km/h from the north-northwest at 4:10 p.m.. An identical gust of 130 km/h from the northwest was recorded at the Novo Selo station in Strumica at 5:50 p.m.

The UHMR noted that wind characteristics are monitored using specialized sensors and standardized procedures to ensure continuous and precise data on wind currents.

Over 30 people reported injuries in Skopje after Tuesday’s violent storm that caused extensive property damage, uprooted trees, and power outages across several regions of the country.

Photo: MIA