The Czech Republic witnessed its first tornado of the year on Sunday, May 18, as nature unleashed its power in the small village of Vyšný, north of Český Krumlov. While no visual documentation exists of the phenomenon, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has confirmed its occurrence based on eyewitness accounts and damage to local vegetation.
The event unfolded shortly after noon when a relatively modest shower system passed through the area, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional lightning. Local residents reported seeing a rotating vortex accompanied by intense noise, providing crucial firsthand accounts of the event.
ČHMÚ’s confirmation came on Friday, May 23, after a thorough analysis of radar data showing convergent airflow at the shower’s leading edge, combined with favorable conditions for tornado formation. The evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and distinctive vegetation damage patterns, left little doubt about the tornado’s presence.
Preliminary assessments suggest the tornado carved a path approximately one kilometer long with a width of around 100 meters. The ČHMÚ notes that such minor tornadoes are relatively common occurrences in the Czech Republic.