Storms and heavy rain to hit Greece on Tuesday and Wednesday
Greece is bracing for heavy rain and thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday, with several regions expected to experience severe weather, particularly coastal areas and parts of the Aegean, according to an emergency bulletin issued by the National Meteorological Service (EMY) on Monday.
The storms may bring hail in some areas, while gale-force northeasterly winds are forecast to develop in the North Aegean from Tuesday night and gradually extend into the central Aegean until late Wednesday afternoon.
Multiple regions face severe weather
On Tuesday, the worst conditions are expected in the Ionian islands, western Central Greece and the western Peloponnese until the afternoon.
Halkidiki is forecast to be affected from midday until late at night, with storms also expected from the afternoon in the Sporades islands, eastern Thessaly and Evia.
Intermittent heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast in the northeastern Peloponnese, eastern Central Greece and Attica from late Tuesday afternoon until late at night. The bad weather is expected to reach the Dodecanese islands and Crete late Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, severe conditions are forecast to persist in the Sporades, eastern Thessaly and Evia until late afternoon. The Dodecanese islands are expected to remain affected until the afternoon, while western Crete could experience storms until late at night.
Civil protection services on alert
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has urged the public to take precautions, confirming that relevant authorities have been notified and placed on heightened alert.
The Fire Service has activated its operational plan for dealing with flooding risks, while fire stations in areas expected to be hardest hit have been placed on high alert.
Authorities have advised residents to secure loose objects that could be swept away by strong winds, check that drains and downpipes are clear, and avoid crossing streams or flooded roads during heavy rain and for several hours afterward, including by car.
People are also urged to avoid outdoor work during severe weather and seek shelter immediately when hail begins to fall.
The authorities are calling for particular caution in areas vulnerable to flooding as the weather system moves across the country.
