Marek Kučera 
Zakopčie, Slovakia – June 23, 2025
A rare, rain-wrapped tornado struck the mountainous region of Kysucké Beskydy near Zakopčie in Žilinský kraj, Slovakia, on Monday evening, marking an unusual severe weather event for the region. The tornado occurred at approximately 21:11 UTC and lasted for about 2–3 minutes, leaving a narrow but distinct trail of damage along its short path.
🌍 Event Overview
According to data provided by Meteo Kysuce, the tornado touched down just north of Zakopčie and traveled eastward over a distance of roughly 2.8 kilometers, from coordinates 49.42°N, 18.73°E to 49.42°N, 18.77°E. The event was confirmed by a trained storm spotter and storm chaser, who witnessed the fast cyclonic motion within a precipitation-wrapped core, even though the funnel cloud itself was not clearly visible due to intense rainfall.
🌪️ Intensity and Impacts
The tornado has been classified as an IF1 on the International Fujita Scale, which roughly corresponds to an EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale used in the United States. This rating is based on eyewitness reports of damage, including the uprooting and snapping of multiple trees in the affected area. Estimated peak wind speeds reached 47 m/s (about 169 km/h), sufficient to cause moderate localized damage.
Despite the tornado’s strength and unusual terrain, no structural damage was reported, and no injuries or fatalities occurred. The tornado remained over forested land, which likely minimized potential destruction.
🧭 Meteorological Significance
Tornadoes in Slovakia’s northern mountainous regions are exceptionally rare, particularly those that are visually confirmed. The Kysucké Beskydy Mountains, characterized by steep terrain and dense forests, are not typically conducive to tornadogenesis. The occurrence of a rain-wrapped tornado—where the funnel is obscured by heavy precipitation—adds further complexity, making detection difficult without eyewitness accounts or radar confirmation.
The event highlights the importance of trained storm spotters and local weather reporting services in identifying and documenting severe weather events in regions that often lack advanced Doppler radar infrastructure.
📍 Path & Timeline
| Time (UTC) | Coordinates (Lat, Lon) | Event Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 21:11 | 49.42°N, 18.73°E | Tornado touch down |
| 21:14 | 49.42°N, 18.77°E | Tornado dissipates |
Direction: East-northeast
Estimated path length: 2.8 km
Terrain: Hilly, forested mountain slopes
📝 Official Report Details
- Date of Event: 23 June 2025
- Location: Zakopčie, Žilinský kraj, Slovakia
- Time of Occurrence: 21:11–21:14 UTC
- Wind Speed: 47 m/s (~169 km/h)
- Damage Report: Trees uprooted/snapped
- Injuries: 0
- Fatalities: 0
- Observer: Trained storm chaser
- Event Rating: IF1 Tornado
- Report Status: As received (QC0)
- Source: https://meteokysuce.eu
- Contact: Damián Mazanec
🌧️ Conclusion
While brief and relatively localized, the Zakopčie tornado is a significant meteorological event for Slovakia. It reinforces the need for continuous monitoring, reporting, and education in regions not traditionally associated with tornado activity. The successful documentation by a storm spotter emphasizes the valuable role of citizen scientists in enhancing regional weather awareness and public safety.
Illustration picture: https://www.zlavomat.sk/magazin/1236-8-malo-navstevovanych-miest-na-severnych-kysuciach-ktore-sa-oplati-vidiet?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google
