Greece/Turkey: Gale warnings issued as storm hits Greece, Turkey Sep. 30 /update 2

Event

A large cyclonic storm, dubbed a "Medicane," prompted the Greek government to issue gale warnings for much of the eastern portion of the country in effect until the afternoon and evening (local time) of Sunday, September 30. The storm is bringing heavy rains and recorded wind speeds up to 90 km/h (60 mph). Power outages and some flooding was reported in Peloponnese and many ferry routes were suspended across eastern and southern Greek islands. The storm is set to swing across the Aegean Sea and impact western portions of Turkey. Turkey halted boats from leaving two ports in Aydın province in western Turkey ahead of the storm's expected arrival on Monday, October 1. Flooding and transportation delays are possible, particularly in western Turkey, Crete, and other Greek islands.

Context

"Medicane" storms are a result of storms moving across warm waters of the Mediterranean and taking on tropical characteristics.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate transportation disruptions, confirm flight and ferry status before traveling to the airport or ferry terminal, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water can be enough to knock over an adult.