Greece: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 8

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Greece through at least Dec. 8. Showers and storms are forecast across much of the country over the coming days, with localized intense thunderstorms possible in places. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail may accompany storms. Snowfall is also possible in mountainous areas of central and northern mainland Greece. The severe weather comes after a powerful storm system caused widespread disruptions across parts of the country Nov. 30-Dec. 2. Authorities reported two fatalities due to flooding on Lemnos Island in the North East Aegean Region and another fatality was reported in Halkidiki in Central Macedonia Region following a landslide. Damage to homes, power outages, evacuations, and other storm-related disruptions were reported in affected areas, and states of emergency have been declared on Lemnos and Rhodes islands. The weather system affecting the country over the coming days is not expected to be as intense as the previous system; however, further localized disruptions are possible during storms.

Officials have issued the following weather warnings across the country Dec. 5:

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

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Attica, Central and West Macedonia, Crete, the Cyclades Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, and the Ionian Islands regions.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Crete, the Cyclades Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, and the Ionian Islands regions.

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Epirus and West Macedonia 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. 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. Should disruptions occur, they could linger into early December.