Greece: Storm Ianos causes casualties and disruption in central Greece on September 19 /update 3

Event

Storm Ianos caused significant damage in central Greece on Saturday, September 19, leaving at least two people dead and disrupting transportation and utilities. After passing through the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese, where it uprooted trees, sank several vessels, and disrupted flights, it reached the regions of Thessaly and Attica on Saturday. Train connections between Athens (Attica) and Thessaloniki (Central Macedonia) have been disrupted, and the cities of Farsala and Karditsa (Thessaly) have reported significant flooding. At least two individuals have died as a result of the storm, one in Karditsa and one in Farsala, where two people have also been reported missing. All red warnings (the highest on a three-tier scale) have been lifted, with orange warnings (the second-highest level) for rainfall and thunderstorms in place for Central Greece, the Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands, the South Aegean, and Crete.

Further rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in central and southern Greece, including Crete, over the near term, with associated flooding and disruptions to transport likely. Further information can be found on the Hellenic National Meteorological Service website.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.