Greece: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 16

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Greece through at least Dec. 16. Cold and foggy conditions are expected across much of mainland Greece Dec. 13, before showers and storms move in from the west Dec. 14. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Snowfall is also possible in mountainous areas of central and northern mainland Greece over the coming days. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in areas where more wintry precipitation occurs.

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

Dec. 13

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Crete Region.

• Yellow fog warnings: Central, East, and West Macedonia, East Peloponnese, East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, Thessaly, and West Sterea regions.

• Yellow low-temperature warnings: Central and West Macedonia, East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, Thessaly, and West Sterea regions.

Dec. 14

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, and West Peloponnese regions.

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

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: The North East Aegean Islands and West Macedonia regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: The North East Aegean Islands, Thessaly, and West Macedonia regions.

• Yellow low-temperature warnings: Central and West Macedonia, East and West Peloponnese, East Sterea and Evia, Epirus, Thessaly, and West Sterea regions.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and 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. 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. Should disruptions occur, they could linger into early December.