Greece: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 9

Event

Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast across much of Greece through at least Feb. 9. Heavy snowfall and a significant drop in temperatures are expected in northern and central parts of the country, especially in areas of higher altitudes.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued a severe weather bulletin detailing the forecasted deterioration of weather conditions across Greece. Strong winds are expected in western regions Feb. 7. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across Epirus, Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, Sterea, and Peloponnese regions, as well as the Ionian, Sporades, and northern Aegean islands. Heavy snowfall will occur in western Macedonia and in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Epirus, Central and Eastern Macedonia, and Thrace regions.

Strong winds are expected across the country Feb. 8. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely across coastal areas of eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and Thessaly regions, as well as the Sporades, Evia, northern and eastern Aegean, Dodecanese, Crete, and Cyclades islands. Heavy snowfall will occur at higher altitudes in eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and Evia regions and temperatures will drop significantly across northern and central Greece. Strong winds will continue in the central and southern Aegean Islands Feb. 9 and further heavy rainfall is likely in northern Crete and the Cyclades islands.

As of Feb. 7, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across Greece:

Orange snowfall warnings (the second-highest level on a three-tier scale): Epirus and Central and Western Macedonia regions.
Orange strong wind warnings: Ionian Islands.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Epirus, Central, East, and West Macedonia, West Peloponnese, East Sterea and Evia, West Sterea, Thessaly, Thrace regions, as well as North East Aegean and Ionian islands.
Yellow snowfall warnings: East Sterea and Evia, West Sterea, and Thessaly regions.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Epirus, Central Macedonia, East Peloponnese, East Sterea and Evia, West Sterea, and Thessaly regions, as well as North East Aegean, Crete, Cyclades, and Dodecanese islands.
Yellow cold temperature warnings: Attica, Epirus, Central, East, and West Macedonia. East and West Peloponnese, East Sterea and Evia, West Sterea, Thessaly, and Thrace regions.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
The adverse weather could see rounds of heavy rainfall, snowfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across Greece in the coming days. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. There is the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall.

Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will possibly cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.

Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.