Greece: At least one fatality due to storm Gerionis November 25

Event

Severe weather across Greece has caused at least one fatality as of Monday, November 25. Local authorities were conducting a search and rescue operation in Antirrio in the evening (local time) on Sunday, November 24, after strong winds caused a sailboat to capsize killing one man and leaving another man missing.

At 21:30 on Sunday, the national weather service said it expected storm Gerionis to bring severe weather conditions to the entire country on Monday as it moves from west to east, with hailstorms possible - particularly in the south. The service issued heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings for Athens and the Attica prefecture through Monday morning, with conditions expected to ease in the afternoon. Similar weather is forecast in the coastal and mountainous regions of Larissa, Imathia, and Pieria prefectures. Strong winds of between 8-9 on the Beaufort scale are expected in the Aegean sea until at least 12:00 on Monday. Updated information on weather warnings can be found on the Greek weather service here. 

Several ferry services have canceled operations on Monday, including the Sami-Patras, Poros-Kyllini, and Kyllini-Zakynthos routes. Further transportation disruptions are expected in affected areas in the coming hours. Severe weather conditions may continue into Tuesday, November 26. 

Advice

Individuals in Greece are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, confirm road conditions before setting out, and anticipate disruptions to transportation and business in flood-affected areas. Remember than running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.