01 Sep 2022 | 11:43 AM UTC
Greece: Adverse weather forecast across northern and central regions through at least Sept. 3
Severe weather forecast across northern and central Greece through at least Sept. 3. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
A deterioration in weather conditions is forecast across much of northern and into parts of central Greece through at least Sept. 3. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an orange level (the middle level on a three-tier scale) Emergency Deterioration of Weather Bulletin warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms beginning late Sept. 1 through early Sept. 3 predominantly in northern areas. Storms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail. Showers and storms are expected to impact northern parts of the Ionian Islands, Epirus, and Central and Western Macedonia regions from late Sept. 1 before spreading to Eastern Macedonia and Thessaly Sept. 2. By Sept. 3 the storms are expected to be limited to Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, eastern Thessaly, the Sporades Islands, and the North Aegean Islands and will weaken throughout the day.
As of Sept. 1, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across Greece:
Orange thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Central Macedonia, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, and Western Macedonia regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Central Greece, western Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Peloponnese, Thessaly, and Western Greece regions.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Across Thessaly and western parts of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace regions.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
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.
