Severe Weather Hits Greece, Bringing Rain, Snow, and Strong Winds

Photo source: General Secretariat of Civil Protection

Greece has been experiencing severe weather over the past 24 hours, with heavy rainfall, snow, and gale-force winds impacting several areas.

According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), these conditions are expected to subside gradually, with clear skies forecasted by New Year’s Eve.

Widespread impacts across the country

Heavy rains and storms continued on Saturday, affecting the Cyclades, the eastern Aegean islands, Crete (primarily its northern areas), and the Dodecanese. Mountainous regions, including parts of Evia, the northern Cyclades, and Crete, experienced significant snowfall. Gale-force northeasterly winds reached up to 9 Beaufort in the Aegean Sea, though they began to weaken by evening.

In Attica, snow was reported in areas such as Parnitha, Dionysos, Kalamos, and Malakasa. Even central Athens saw brief snowfall, with temperatures dropping to 5°C in the morning.

Sunday’s weather forecast

The HNMS predicts localized rain or sleet on Sunday in areas including eastern Thessaly, the Sporades, and eastern Central Greece, as well as parts of the Peloponnese, Crete, and the Dodecanese. Isolated storms are expected along coastal regions, while winds are forecast to ease.

New Year’s weather outlook

According to forecasts, weather conditions are expected to improve significantly by New Year’s Eve, with clear skies and milder temperatures across much of the country. In the northwestern mainland, frost may occur during the early morning hours.

Four phases of the weather system

Speaking to Greek TV station STAR, HNMS Director Thodoris Kolidas explained the weather’s four-phase progression:

1. Friday night: Severe weather began in eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and the southern Aegean.
2. Saturday: Snowfall peaked in Evia, while heavy rainfall spread across much of the country.
3. Saturday afternoon: Conditions eased in Attica and began shifting toward the Cyclades, Crete, and the eastern Aegean.
4. Saturday evening: Weather conditions weakened further, with isolated effects in the Cyclades, Crete, and the Dodecanese.

Kolidas noted that the weather is expected to stabilize from Monday onwards, with rising temperatures into the New Year.

Safety measures and recommendations

Source: General Secretariat of Civil Protection

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection has urged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures to safeguard against the risks posed by severe weather events.

Recommendations include securing loose objects, avoiding outdoor activities during storms, and using anti-skid chains for vehicles in affected areas.

Drivers are advised to check with the Hellenic Traffic Police for updates on areas where snow chains are mandatory due to weather conditions.

In areas expected to experience snowfall, citizens are advised to:

– Travel only if necessary and prefer main roads.
– Dress in layers for warmth and wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries from slippery surfaces.
– Avoid streams and torrents during heavy rainfall.

For a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration, authorities emphasize adhering to local guidelines and staying informed about evolving weather conditions.