A strong storm with a downpour, thunder, intensified wind and hail hit the region of Štip and Gevgelija. Summer storms like these tend to stay short, but fierce enough to do damage on the ground.

The storm, as reported, moved slowly toward the southeast. Summer storms of this kind - short but strong - are becoming ever more frequent, and each one tends to leave behind uprooted trees, damaged roofs and sometimes flooded basements.

Phenomena like these aren't just bad weather. They're also a test of the readiness of local services - how quickly the fallen trees will be cleared, how many households will be left without power and how long before it comes back. When the sky clears, the real question is whether the municipalities are ready, or whether every storm catches them off guard.