20 Jan 2023 | 09:01 AM UTC
Greece: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 23 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across much of Greece through at least Jan. 23. Disruptions to transport, business, and utilities possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across Greece through at least Jan. 23. As of Jan. 20, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an orange Emergency Deterioration of Weather Bulletin (the middle level on a three-tier scale) warnings of successive waves of bad weather affecting the country over the coming days. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in northern, western, and eastern regions and will be accompanied by strong winds, lightning, hail, and rough seas. Snow is also possible in elevated areas of mainland Greece. Heavy downpours associated with the storms may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.
As of Jan. 20, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across Greece:
Orange thunderstorm warnings: Central and East Macedonia, Crete, the Cyclades Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, the North East Aegean Islands, Thrace, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: East Peloponnese, East Sterea and Evia, Thessaly, and West Macedonia regions.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Central and Eastern Macedonia. the Cyclades Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, East Sterea and Evia, the Ionian Islands, the North East Aegean Islands, Thrace, and West Peloponnese regions.
Authorities will almost certainly 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 could 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.
