06 Feb 2023 | 11:08 AM UTC
Greece: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least Feb. 7
Adverse winter weather forecast across much of Greece through at least Feb. 7. Weather-related disruptions ongoing in Athens.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast across parts of Greece through at least Feb. 7. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service issued an updated red Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena (the highest level on a three-tier scale) warning of low temperatures, strong winds, heavy frost, and heavy snowfall, especially in eastern areas. Heavy snowfall is expected in Attica, Central Greece, North Aegean, Thessaly, and Thrace regions Feb. 6, as well as in elevated areas of Crete and the Cyclades Islands. Further snowfall and some rainfall are expected in eastern regions Feb. 7. Strong frosts are expected across parts of mainland Greece, especially in northern regions and strong winds are likely in the Aegean Sea.
As of Feb. 6, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across Greece:
Orange snowfall warnings: Crete, the Cyclades Islands, East Sterea and Evia, the North East Aegean Islands, and Thrace regions.
Yellow strong wind warnings: Attica, Central Macedonia, Crete, the Cyclades Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, East Peloponnese, East Stera and Evia, the North East Aegean Islands, Thessaly, and Thrace regions.
Authorities will almost certainly issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Transport and business disruptions due to the severe weather have been reported in Athens and surrounding areas of central Greece as of Feb. 6. Sections of the Athens-Lamia and Attic Odos highways were closed temporarily early Feb. 6 as authorities cleared snow from the routes. Metro services in Athens and trains between Athens and Thessaloniki have also been disrupted. Several schools and shops have been closed and many businesses and public services have switched to remote working. Further disruptions are likely across affected parts of the country over the coming hours and days.
In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Decreased visibility is likely; in mountainous areas, there is also the possibility of avalanches where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas 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 provinces as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. 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 airports in the affected region.
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.
