Greece: Adverse weather forecast across much of country through at least March 28

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Greece through at least March 28. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to intensify over central, northern, and western regions March 26 before spreading over the Aegean Islands overnight March 26-27. Further showers are forecast in central and northern regions March 27 before conditions gradually improve from March 28. Strong winds have also been impacting southern regions in recent days; a flight from Paphos International Airport (PFO) in Cyprus to Chania International Airport (CHQ) in Crete was delayed from departing March 25 due to strong winds over northwestern Crete and instead was rerouted to land at Heraklion International Airport (HER) early March 26. The return flight also departed from HER instead of CHQ March 26.

As of March 26, officials have issued the following weather warnings across Greece:

• Orange heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Epirus, the Ionian Islands, and Thessaly regions.

• Yellow heavy rain warnings: Central, East, and West Macedonia, East Sterea and Evia, Thrace, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Central and East Macedonia, East Sterea and Evia, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change 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 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 rain 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 significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities may temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flight delays and cancellations at airports are possible.

Localized business disruptions are possible 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.