A significant weather front, named Elena, has recently battered Greece, bringing with it intense cold, heavy rainfall, and snow to mountain areas. Athens and its southern suburbs experienced heavy downpours, leading to severe damage and flooding at the Faliro Olympic Complex (SEF), impacting both the interior and exterior of the stadium. While the storm's intensity is expected to subside by Friday, new and potentially harsher winter weather is moving in from the northeast.
On Thursday, regions stretching from Macedonia to Crete and Rhodes were impacted by heavy rainfall, particularly intense across Evia, Attica, and parts of central Greece, including Viotia and Hania in Crete. Significant areas saw substantial rainfall, with Vilia reporting 152.2 mm. The severe storm has also caused extensive damage on Evia, where the Messapios River began to swell late Wednesday night, prompting authorities to remain on alert due to flooding. Particularly affected were the village of Maletiani and the disruption of the local water supply network.
The mountainous regions of Greece faced snowstorms, blanketing areas like Parnitha and Mount Parnassus, where strong winds created treacherous conditions. Consequently, the Parnassus ski center had to close, and significant traffic congestion occurred on roads leading to Kalavryta. Other ski resorts, including those in Pindos and Florina, also shut down temporarily due to strong winds.
Most of Greece is expected to see decreased storm activity by Friday, but parts of Crete will continue experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by strong northeasterly winds throughout the weekend. The General Secretariat of Civil Protection has recommended citizens take precautions against severe weather phenomena.
Regional forecasts delineate upcoming weather expectations across different areas. Macedonia and Thrace are forecasted to have increased cloud cover with rain, sleet, and snow expected, with temperatures between 2-8°C. The Ionian Islands, Epirus, and surrounding regions are predicted to see scattered clouds with occasional rains and snow at higher elevations, with similar temperature ranges. Eastern mainland areas, including Thessaly and Euboea, will likely experience overcast skies and local rain alongside mountain snow.
A strong weather pattern will dominate the Cyclades and Crete regions, with northerly winds reaching up to 8 Beauforts. The forecast agency has confirmed cold temperatures will remain consistent but slightly above freezing levels across various regions.
Further actions have been taken to mitigate the risks posed by the severe weather. From 10 p.m. on Friday, police announced it would be mandatory for all vehicles to use snow chains across the Attica road network, with additional restrictions on heavy trucks to prevent road blockages and safety hazards. From then until Saturday afternoon, heavy vehicles over 3.5 tons will be prohibited on routes including the Athens-Lamia, ensuring smoother traffic flow.
With authorities enhancing weather alerts and advisories, citizens have been urged to remain vigilant about conditions, particularly concerning access to mountainous areas. Police have warned drivers not to attempt traveling to ski resorts under these hazardous weather conditions, which have already led to long traffic jams as vehicles became immobilized without proper equipment.
The challenges faced by local infrastructure and traffic systems are compounded by the heavy snowfall and icy conditions affecting travel plans across Greece. This includes significant traffic jams near the Parnassos area, as authorities noted the combination of breakdowns among electric vehicles and snow immobility causing prolonged delays.
Despite the upcoming reduced storm activity expected after Friday, the recommendation remains for citizens to stay informed on weather developments through regular updates from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service and local news outlets. The government and municipal agencies are on heightened alert to respond to any emergencies stemming from worsening weather conditions.
This weather front, Elena, emphasizes the need for preparedness and adaptability as Greece navigates through these increasingly severe winter conditions, reflecting broader trends associated with climate change impacts across Southern Europe.
