A powerful storm has battered the Greek island of Paros, unleashing widespread flooding, sweeping away cars, and prompting authorities to close schools and ban all traffic except for emergency vehicles. The storm, which struck on Monday afternoon, March 31, 2025, brought torrential rainfall to the island’s popular tourist hubs of Parikia and Naousa. Floodwaters surged through the streets, carrying cars, debris, and mud past the island's iconic whitewashed buildings. Dramatic video footage from the island showed torrents of fast-flowing water sweeping vehicles away, leaving them wrecked and overturned.
Authorities reported that 13 people who were left stranded in the storm were safely transported home by firefighters. Fortunately, no injuries or missing persons have been reported so far. Paros Mayor Kostas Bizas described the severity of the situation, stating, “The rain started around 3 p.m. and hasn’t let up. We’ve had drivers trapped on roads near Lefkes and the Parikia-Naoussa axis.” The local authorities were swift to respond, deploying emergency workers who struggled to clear roads and rescue stranded residents, using heavy machinery to remove vehicles from waterlogged areas.
On the neighboring island of Mykonos, where flooding was less intense, authorities utilized excavators to clear pathways for the rushing floodwaters that swept past seaside restaurants and cafes. The extreme weather conditions prompted a full traffic ban on all roads on Paros, with only emergency vehicles permitted to operate. An emergency alert was issued via the 112 emergency messaging system, warning residents to avoid travel for their safety.
Video footage from the village of Naoussa depicted cars and dumpsters being swept away as streets turned into torrents. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) has forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms to continue until Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025, affecting various regions including the Ionian Islands, mainland areas, Macedonia, Thrace, the Aegean Sea, and Attica. Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidelines as the storm continues.
In addition to Paros, severe weather swept across several Cycladic islands on the same day, with Syros among the hardest hit. There, a sudden hailstorm struck just after 3 p.m., transforming a sunny morning into a chaotic scene as ice pelted the island. Meanwhile, Mykonos also implemented a traffic ban, particularly in the Tourlos and Marathi areas, where flooding led to emergency rescues. Authorities reported, “Everyone is safe.”
As the storm progressed, local authorities rescued several individuals, including two people trapped in vehicles and 13 others brought to safety. Mayor Konstantinos Bizas emphasized the danger along the Parikia-Naoussa road, noting that the Naoussa River had overflowed and swept away cars near a bridge. Reinforcements from Athens and Naxos are being sent to assist with ongoing response efforts.
In response to the disaster, schools on Paros were ordered to remain closed on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The Civil Protection Service issued mobile phone alerts advising residents to stay indoors. Municipal teams and private contractors are working tirelessly to clear blocked roads, while emergency services continue rescue operations for stranded motorists.
As the storm continues to wreak havoc, the National Meteorological Service has issued an updated Emergency Weather Bulletin, forecasting locally severe rain and thunderstorms from Monday afternoon through until Wednesday morning. The Cyclades face the most intense conditions, with a Red Warning in effect until early Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Other islands—including Samos, Ikaria, Chios, and areas of Crete and the Dodecanese—are also forecast to be impacted through Wednesday.
On Rhodes, schools will remain closed on Tuesday as a precaution, according to Mayor Alexandros Koliadis. The situation remains critical as residents are urged to stay indoors and exercise caution as the storm progresses. The dramatic weather has not only caused significant disruptions but also highlighted the need for preparedness in the face of such unpredictable natural events.
As the storm shows no signs of abating, the local authorities remain on high alert, ready to respond to any further emergencies. The community of Paros, known for its idyllic landscapes and vibrant tourism, now faces the daunting task of recovery as it copes with the aftermath of this powerful storm.
