The event is described by Nikola Tabain in his diary as “seiche, stormy sirocco” (Tabain and Tabain, 1994). As is well known, the event coincided with one of the largest storm surges in the Adriatic Sea, which resulted in record-breaking sea levels not only in Bakar but also elsewhere in the North Adriatic – for example, in Venice (de Zolt et al., 2006).

Synoptic situation during the event is reminiscent to the one of 11-12 November 1951 (Event 4). A mid-latitude cyclone was centred over the northern Adriatic and Alps, and strong sirocco wind (> 20 m/s) was blowing along the Adriatic Sea. At the 850 hPa level, a tongue of warm air was advancing from the central Sahara across Sicily to the Adriatic Sea, resulting with a temperature front over the Adriatic. At the 500 hPa level, a deep trough was located over the western Mediterranean. At the front side of this trough, strong winds (30-40 m/s) were blowing over the Adriatic Sea.