Severe storms swept across Greece on Wednesday, killing two people and causing widespread flooding, transportation disruptions, and emergency responses across the country, authorities and local media reported.
A 56-year-old woman died in Ano Glyfada, a suburb of Athens, after being swept away by floodwaters. At the same time, a 53-year-old Coast Guard officer was killed in Astros Kynouria when a massive wave struck him during a harbor patrol, the Hellenic Police and Coast Guard said.
The woman became trapped under a vehicle on Kyrillou Methodiou Street and was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital. In Astros Kynouria, the officer suffered a fatal head injury after being hit by a wave while assisting with vessel mooring. He was pulled from the water unconscious and later confirmed dead at a local health center.
The extreme weather, described as unprecedented in parts of Attica, delivered up to 146.4 millimeters (5.7 inches) of rain in Papagou, with other areas such as Taktikoupoli Trizinia, and Vyronas recording more than 120 mm, according to the National Observatory of Athens (Meteo.gr). Meteorologist Dimitris Ziakopoulos said, “The rainfall levels we anticipated were confirmed—and then some.”
The storms prompted road closures, school schedule adjustments, and hundreds of emergency calls to local fire departments. Authorities warned of additional hazards as the storm system moves eastward toward the Aegean islands, where forecasts predict hurricane-force winds and storm surges.
Northern Greece is also affected by snow and freezing temperatures, with Western Macedonia under red alert. Snowfall was reported in Serres, Kilkis, Nevrokopi, Florina, and Nikiforos, while sleet impacted Thessaloniki, Pella, Kavala, and Drama. Temperatures fell as low as -5°C (23°F) in Volakas and Nevrokopi, forcing police to impose temporary traffic bans on heavy trucks and require snow chains on several routes.
Officials urged residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel as authorities continue emergency operations in affected areas.