Severe storms batter Europe, Hungary among hardest hit

Severe thunderstorms swept through Central and Eastern Europe this week, unleashing powerful winds, intense hail, and heavy rainfall. Hungary bore the brunt of the weather, with storm systems causing widespread damage to infrastructure, uprooting trees, and disrupting travel.

Wind gusts exceeding 130 km/h have left some 150,000 homes without power and temporarily shutting down Budapest Airport and rail services around Lake Balaton. This is as roofs were torn off buildings—including university facilities in Szeged—and the steeple of a church in Sáp collapsed, euroNews reported.

The storms have disrupted transport networks, with air and rail services in Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia forced to halt operations due to safety concerns. 

Local authorities from Budapest to Szeged have mobilised to clear debris, repair damaged power lines, and restore services. Transport officials warned residents to expect continued delays and urged caution as recovery efforts unfold. Emergency crews are prioritising restoring electricity, reopening transport links, and securing weakened buildings and trees.