Greece braces for severe weather as authorities issue red alert

Greece braces for severe weather as authorities issue red alert

Greece is facing severe weather conditions on Wednesday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, snowfall and gale-force winds forecast to last until midday Thursday, according to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY).

Five regions — Attica, Peloponnese, Central Greece, Thessaly and Western Macedonia — have been placed under a Red Code alert, prompting heightened emergency readiness. Authorities warned of intense rainfall, particularly in southern and eastern areas, heavy snowfall in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, and strong winds reaching up to 9 Beaufort in the Aegean.

The Civil Protection Ministry convened emergency coordination meetings, placing fire services, armed forces, police and local authorities on high alert. Citizens were urged to limit travel to essential movements only, while drivers are required to carry snow chains.

Schools were closed across large parts of the country, including Attica, Western and Central Macedonia, Thessaly, Epirus, Western Greece and Central Greece, with lessons moving online where possible. Several municipalities also closed childcare centers and universities as a precaution.

Snowfall has already affected northern Greece, including Thessaloniki’s mountainous areas, while traffic restrictions and chain requirements were imposed on sections of the Egnatia Motorway and regional road networks. Ferry services in western Greece were suspended due to strong winds, and restrictions remain in force on the Rio–Antirrio Bridge.

Authorities warned that conditions remain dynamic and further measures may be announced as the weather system evolves.