27 Sep 2023 | 08:01 AM UTC
Greece: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Sept. 28. /update 1
Severe weather forecast to continue across much of Greece through Sept. 28. Flight and transport disruptions likely.
Event
Severe weather is forecast to continue across much of Greece through at least Sept. 28. A storm system named Elias has been impacting parts of the country since Sept. 26 and further adverse conditions are likely over the coming days. Greece's Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an updated Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across central and southern mainland Greece and Crete, Evia, and the Sporades islands Sept. 27. Isolated showers and storms are also likely in the western Cyclades Islands, southern and western Attica Region, and the northern Aegean Islands. Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely in parts of central Greece and islands close to the mainland Sept. 28. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail are possible during storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.
As of Sept. 27, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings(the middle level on a three-tier scale): Attica, Crete, East Peloponnese, East Sterea, Thessaly, and West Sterea regions.
Orange thunderstorm warnings: Attica, Crete, East Peloponnese, East Sterea, Thessaly, West Macedonia, and West Sterea regions.
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: North East Aegean Islands, Thrace, and West Macedonia regions.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Epirus, North East Aegean Islands, and Thrace regions.
Authorities will probably issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Authorities in the worst-affected areas are advising people to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Schools are closed in parts of central and southern mainland Greece as of Sept. 27 due to the severe weather.
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 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout affected regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
