Croatia observed its largest measured wave at 4pm on Tuesday afternoon, with a buoy sitting off the Dubrovnik coast in the Adriatic Sea recording a Maximum Wave Height of 10.87m, with Significant Wave Heights coming in at 4.75m.

This tops the previous record of 10.8m recorded over 30 years ago in 1986.

When visualising the Croatia coastline, most think of the picturesque cliffs, calm seas and hot weather (a perfect escape from the Australian winter), but autumn and winter are a different story. Strong southerly winds can surge up the Adriatic Sea, known as Jugo winds, bringing humid, wet weather to the region.

History of the name Jugo (translates to south) is interesting. It's irritating to the Croats owing to the uncomfortable humidity and stickiness that it brings in along with the stormy weather and rain.

"The Republic of Dubrovnik had a collection of books written between the period of 1272 – 1808 which stipulated all manner of life and law in Dubrovnik. In it, the Republic had a provision stating that no major decisions, rulings or deliberations could be made when Jugo was blowing and punishment for crimes committed during Jugo would be reduced."

A Get Out of Jail Free card when the winds blow south.

This event was quite significant with a broad low moving in from western Europe, directing a vigrous front up through the Adriatic Sea.

A fetch of 35-40kt winds surged up the Sea from the south in a captured fetch like motion, with a peak in intensity right off Dubrovnik, reaching 45kts.

What can also be seen are gale-force Mistral Winds blowing south off France.

This surge of winds and the Inverse Barometer Effect owing to the low pressure across the region lifted sea levels higher than normal, whilst also coinciding with the full moon spring tide.

With Venice sitting at the northern end of the sea, widespread flooding was seen throughout the city, with 85 per cent under water.

Back in Croatia the Split Maratime Sation recorded its highest sea level since installation in 1955, coming in at 1.52m, 0.91m above mean sea level, inundating the Croatian seaside.

Split Maritime Station tidal observations, predicted vs observed

The Tvrava Bokar under assualt and on calmer days..