By: Moja Dolenjska, C. R.
In the Dolenjska region, due to pronounced instability and favourable dynamic conditions, a very strong thunderstorm developed, which locally also brought hail.
The storm with hail was particularly severe in Novo Mesto, where 34.5 millimetres of rain fell in just ten minutes, and winds reached speeds of 90 kilometres per hour.
Floodwaters inundated several roads, and the School Centre was under water, as was the Leon Štukelj Hall. At the Šmihel cemetery, three trees were blown down onto graves, and the surroundings of the retirement home were also flooded. Locals say they have not experienced such a hailstorm in a very long time.
In the afternoon, Novo Mesto was hit by a storm with strong winds, downpours, and hail. The Fire and Rescue Centre Novo Mesto, together with all 18 volunteer fire brigades of the Municipality of Novo Mesto, is currently carrying out more than 110 interventions and is successfully managing the situation on the ground. The mayor, Gregor Macedoni, has also been in contact with the services and present in the field, the municipality reported.
Several commercial and residential buildings were damaged in the areas of Žabja vas, Drska, and Šmihel. Stormwater flooded the Leon Štukelj Sports Hall, the new Julija nursing hospital, and the premises of the Novo Mesto School Centre.
Part of the roof of Drska Elementary School was also torn off. All pupils and others present in the school were taken care of in time, but due to building repairs, classes at Drska Elementary School will not take place tomorrow, September 17, 2025. Parents of pupils at Drska Elementary and the Novo Mesto School Centre will be informed about school organisation in the coming days via the eAsistent system.
To protect property, Novo Mesto successfully requested the activation of the national Civil Protection system. The most common interventions by fire brigades are currently pumping water from buildings, removing debris, covering exposed buildings, cleaning roads, and clearing fallen trees.
The Municipality of Novo Mesto urges residents to avoid flooded areas, not to drive on inundated roads, and to strictly follow the instructions of the relevant services. Updates on the situation will be published regularly on the municipality’s website and social media.
Some roads and streets in Novo Mesto have been closed due to flooding, causing traffic jams, the Traffic Information Centre reports. Drivers are therefore advised to drive cautiously.
Within ten minutes, 34.5 millimetres of rain fell, and winds reached speeds of 90 kilometres per hour.
Photos of Drska Elementary School in Novo Mesto:
And here is how the Minister of Health, Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, was “rescued” from the hospital. She apparently seemed to be enjoying herself in the process:
