Greece: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least Dec. 11 /update 1

Adverse weather is forecast to continune across much of Greece through at least Dec. 11. 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. 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. 9-10:

Dec. 9

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): The Dodecanese Islands, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, the North East Aegean Islands, and Thrace regions.

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

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

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

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Central Macedonia Region.

Dec. 10

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Central Macedonia, Epirus, the Ionian Islands, Thrace, and West Peloponnese regions.

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

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: East and West Macedonia, East Peloponnese, and East Sterea and Evia regions.

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

• Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Central Macedonia and Thrace 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.