07 Feb 2023 | 12:32 PM UTC
Greece: Adverse winter weather forecast to continue across parts of the country through at least Feb. 9 /update 1
Further adverse winter weather forecast across parts of Greece through Feb. 9. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Adverse winter weather is forecast to continue across parts of central, eastern, and southern Greece through at least Feb. 9. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service issued an updated Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena, lowering the severity of the bulletin from red to orange (from the highest to the middle level on a three-tier scale), warning that snowfall occurring in eastern and southern regions is likely to continue. Heavy snowfall is expected across Attica, eastern Central Greece, and eastern Thessaly regions Feb. 7-8, as well as Evia and the Sporades islands. Snowfall is also expected in elevated areas of Crete and the Cyclades Islands Feb. 7-8 and eastern Peloponnese Region Feb. 7. Strong frosts are expected across parts of mainland Greece through Feb. 9. As of Feb. 7, authorities have issued orange snowfall warnings across the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. Disruptions including road and school closures have been ongoing across parts of the affected area due to heavy snowfall in recent days and further disruptions are likely in 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.
