25 Aug 2022 | 07:42 AM UTC
Greece: Adverse weather forecast across much of country through at least Aug. 26 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across much of Greece through at least Aug. 26. Disruptions to transport, business, and utilities possible.
Event
Unstable weather conditions are forecast to bring storms and heavy downpours across much of Greece through at least Aug. 26. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an Emergency Deterioration of Weather Bulletin and an Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena, warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms and possible hail, lightning, and gusty winds. The heaviest rainfall is likely over Central Greece, Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, North Aegean, and Thessaly regions. As of early Aug. 25, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across Greece:
Red thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Central Greece, Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, North Aegean, and Thessaly regions.
Orange thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings: Attica and northern West Greece regions.
Yellow thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warnings: the rest of Greece.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Heavy rainfall since late Aug. 22 resulted in flooding in Athens, Attica Region and Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia Region. Floodwaters in Athens prompted the closure of several major highways. Eordaea Municipality, Western Macedonia, declared a state of emergency due to the heavy rain and flooding; reports indicate flooding impacted at least 45 homes near Ptolemaida. Several villages in the Trikala area, Thessaly Region, reported power outages. Lightning also killed over 50 sheep in Metsovo Town in Epirus Region, northern Greece. Floodwaters have affected portions of Vari Voula Vouliagmeni Municipality, Attica Region, resulting in traffic disruptions and at least 43 flooded houses. Clean-up operations are underway.
Hazardous Conditions
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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations. Stay away from streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
