Severe weather has been affecting large parts of Greece since Saturday night, including the greater Athens area, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and the risk of localized hail, authorities said.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) said adverse conditions are expected to continue across most of the country on Sunday, with intense and prolonged rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Localized hailstorms are also possible, while snowfall is forecast in mainland mountainous areas and northern semi-mountainous regions. Snow may reach lower altitudes in eastern Macedonia and Thrace from early Sunday afternoon.
The greater Athens area experienced the first wave of bad weather early on Sunday, but authorities reported no significant disruptions. A second wave of severe weather is expected later in the afternoon. The system is forecast to move eastward, affecting the Dodecanese islands and Crete into Monday.
Greece’s Civil Protection Authority issued a “Red Code” alert, the highest risk level, for seven regions nationwide. Athens was placed under an orange alert, indicating a lower level of risk.
Late on Saturday, precautionary messages were sent via the 112 emergency system to residents in the Peloponnese, Achaia, Ilia, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Thessaly, Imathia, and Pieria, urging them to limit travel and follow official guidance.
Meteorologists described the storm as “very significant,” with conditions expected to gradually ease by Monday.