Greece: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Nov. 17 /update 1

Adverse weather is forecast to continue across much of Greece through at least Nov. 17. As of Nov. 13, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an updated orange Emergency Deterioration of Weather Bulletin, warning that the unstable weather that has been primarily affecting western parts of the country will continue Nov. 13, with further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms likely in the region. Strong winds gusts, lightning, and possible hail may accompany storms. The weather system will weaken as it moves eastward over the rest of the country Nov. 13-15, bringing less intense showers and storms across much of Greece. Another weather system is expected to begin to affect the country Nov. 15, bringing further showers and isolated storms before conditions gradually begin to improve from Nov. 17. Flooded roads and power outages have been reported in the Elis region of the northwestern Peloponnese peninsula following heavy rainfall and storms overnight Nov. 12-13 and similar disruptions are likely in other affected areas over the coming days.

Officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country Nov. 13-14:

Nov. 13

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Central Macedonia, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Epirus, the Ionian Islands, Thessaly, West Peloponnese, and West Sterea regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: East Setrea and Evia and West Macedonia regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: East Sterea and Evia Region.

Nov. 14

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Attica, the Cyclades Islands, East Sterea and Evia, and Epirus regions.

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Attica, the Cyclades Islands, East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, Thessaly, and West Sterea regions.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Central Macedonia, the Dodecanese Islands, the Ionian Islands, the Northeast Aegean Islands, Thrace, and West Peloponnese regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: The Dodecanese Islands, East Macedonia, the Ionian Islands, the Northeast Aegean Islands, and West Peloponnese regions.

Authorities will almost certainly 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. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts in coastal regions if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.

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.