21 Jan 2022 | 12:56 PM UTC
Greece: Adverse winter weather forecast nationwide through at least Jan. 26
Heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and strong winds forecast across Greece through at least Jan. 26. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has warned that successive weather systems are forecast to bring adverse winter weather across Greece over the coming days. The first system is forecast to affect the country from Jan. 22, bringing cold temperatures to much of Greece. The second system will arrive Jan. 24, bringing strong winds, extremely cold temperatures, and heavy snowfall to the plains of northern and eastern Greece, as well as the Aegean Islands.
A gradual drop in temperatures is expected across the country from Jan. 22, with even colder spells Jan. 24-26. Frosty conditions are expected across the country, with the heaviest frost in northern and central regions. Heavy snowfall will affect the plains of Macedonia and Thrace early Jan. 22 and move into Thessaly, eastern Sterea and Evia, and the Aegean Islands throughout the day. Heavy snow will recede from the mainland but continue in Evia and the Aegean Islands Jan. 23. Snowfall levels will intensify Jan. 24 as the second weather system moves in, impacting the Aegean Islands, Evia, eastern Sterea, eastern Thessaly, Crete, the Dodecanese Islands, and the eastern Peloponnese, with occasional snowfall over Macedonia and Thrace. The snow will recede in the north of the country Jan. 25 but remain heavy over the rest of the country. Strong winds of 69-81 kph (43-50 mph) are forecast across the Aegean Islands Jan. 24-25.
As of Jan. 21, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across Greece:
Orange snowfall warnings (the middle tier on a three-tier scale): West Macedonia Region.
Yellow snowfall warnings: Central Macedonia, East Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, and Thrace regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: West Peoloponnes and West Sterea, as well as Crete, Dodecanese, Ionian, and North East Aegean Islands.
Yellow strong wind warnings: North East Aegean Islands.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming days.
In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across Greece over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected regions as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
