VLORA, Albania — A powerful storm swept across southern Albania on Monday evening, hitting the coastal areas of Vlora and Himara with intense rainfall, strong winds, and frequent lightning strikes.
The sudden weather change transformed the coastline within minutes, forcing tourists and beachgoers to leave the beaches as heavy rain and strong winds moved through the area.
Videos sent to local media showed empty beaches and streets as residents and visitors sought shelter from the rapidly worsening conditions.
Lightning Strike Reported on Llogara Mountain
Some of the most dramatic footage came from the Llogara area, where a citizen captured the moment a lightning bolt struck the mountain.
According to the person who recorded the video, a small fire appeared shortly after the lightning strike, suspected to have been caused by the electrical discharge. The footage shows flames becoming visible moments after the strike.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the reported fire, and monitoring of the situation continues.
Meteorologists Warned of Severe Weather System
Meteorologists had previously warned about the arrival of a strong storm system affecting the Western Balkans, with Albania included among the areas at risk of:
- Heavy rainfall;
- Strong winds;
- Electrical storms;
- Hail in some regions.
The unstable weather pattern affected several coastal areas, creating difficult conditions during the peak tourist season.
No Major Damage Reported So Far
So far, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage in Vlora and Himara.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, while images from the Albanian coast show the intensity of the storm that dramatically changed the evening atmosphere across the southern coastline.