Greece, Turkiye: Adverse weather forecast across much of Greece and western and southern Turkiye through at least Jan. 17

Severe weather is forecast across much of Greece and western and southern Turkiye through at least Jan. 17. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across the region; strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. Sustained heavy rainfall may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages.

As of Jan. 15, the respective meteorological agencies have issued the following weather warnings across the region:

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: The Ionian Islands, Peloponnese, and Northern Aegean Islands regions in Greece.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: The Ionian Islands, Peloponnese, and Northern Aegean Islands regions in Greece and Antalya, Aydin, Balikesir, Izmir, Manisa, Mersin, and Mugla provinces in Turkiye.

• Orange strong wind warnings: North Aegean Islands in Greece.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Attica, Epirus, Central and Western Greece, Central and Western Macedonia, Crete, and the South Aegean Islands regions in Greece.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Attica, Central Macedonia, Crete, Epirus, the South Aegean, and Western Greece regions in Greece and Canakkale Province in Turkiye.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

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.

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 could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.