Geographia Polonica (2021) vol. 94, iss. 1

Synoptic characteristics of an extreme weather event: The tornadic waterspout in Tivat (Montenegro), on June 9, 2018

Jovan Mihajlović, Dragan Burić, Vladan Ducić, Milan Milenković

Geographia Polonica (2021) vol. 94, iss. 1, pp. 69-90 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/GPol.0194

Recently Montenegro has often been faced with extreme weather events. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed synoptic analysis of a severe weather event, a waterspout, and to confirm an indication that in most cases such events could potentially be forecasted, which is of great practical significance, since human lives and property can be saved. The paper presents the research results of synoptic and mesoscale weather conditions which created a favourable meteorological environment for a waterspout development in Tivat (Montenegrin coast) on June 9, 2018, around 01 UTC (03 CET). Based on field survey analysis, the rating of tornado intensity by the Fujita scale (F-scale) has been done by assessing the damage. The synoptic type for this situation was CLOSED-SW and was determined by a detailed examination of atmospheric circulation. The results presented in the manuscript can help decision makers in Montenegro to take certain adaptation measures (above all, in tourism and construction) in order to mitigate the negative consequences of weather extremes.

Keywords: extreme weather, waterspout, synoptic conditions, Tivat, Adriatic Sea, Montenegro

Jovan Mihajlović [millennijum@hotmail.com], Faculty of Geography University of Belgrade Studentski trg 3/3, 11000 Belgrade: Serbia
Dragan Burić [dragan.buric@meteo.co.me], Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Geography University of Montenegro Danila Bojovica bb, 81400 Nikšić: Montenegro
Vladan Ducić [vladanducic@yahoo.com], Faculty of Geography University of Belgrade Studentski trg 3/3, 11000 Belgrade: Serbia
Milan Milenković [milenkovic011@gmail.com], Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić“ Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade: Serbia