Massive storm causing flooding, gale force winds in region

Massive storm causing flooding, gale force winds in region

SARAJEVO, ZAGREB, LJUBLJANA -- A large storm system that has engulfed the region and much of Europe beyond has caused flooding, strong winds, and damage in Bosnia, Croatia, and Slovenia.

In Serbia, the government decided to declare a state of emergency.

In Bosnia, water levels of Sava, Una, Sana, Bosna and other rivers are rising, while some residents are being evacuated by helicopters.

In Bosnia's Serb entity, the RS, Doboj and Bijeljina are the hardest-hit towns. The Brčko District is also experiencing flooding from the Sava River.

The rivers in central and northeastern parts of Bosnia reached their historic maximum levels, the authorities have said.

The Sarajevo Canton is also dealing with the consequences of the heavy rainfall in the past 40 hours, with some neighborhoods left without electricity.

In neighboring Croatia, gale force winds have forced the closure of the Zagreb-Split highway. Warnings have been issued that wind speeds will reach 80 to 90 kilometers per hour in northeastern parts and in Slavonia, and will only weaken in the night between Thursday and Friday.

More rain is expected in Slavonia and Lika.

In Slovenia, strong winds, expected to reach gusts of 100 kmph, have already ripped off roofs and trees in some areas of the country, with only the southwestern parts remaining unaffected.