Severe weather has wreaked havoc across several Greek islands, particularly Paros and Mykonos, causing widespread flooding and prompting emergency measures. On March 31, 2025, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms led to a complete traffic ban on all roads in Paros, where meteorologists reported an astonishing 45 millimeters of rain falling in just 45 minutes. The situation escalated to the extent that local authorities issued an emergency alert via the 112 hotline, advising residents to stay indoors for their safety.
The mayor of Paros confirmed that the road network has sustained significant damage, with landslides, floods, and collapses making travel perilous. In the village of Naoussa, dramatic footage captured the moment when cars and waste containers were swept away as streets transformed into raging rivers. An ambulance became trapped in the torrent, highlighting the severity of the conditions.
As a precautionary measure, schools on the island will remain closed on April 1, 2025, and the mayor warned that more bad weather was expected to hit the region from midnight until 8 a.m. on the same day. This forecast has kept residents on high alert, with the civil protection service urging them to remain indoors.
Mykonos also faced its share of troubles, receiving 71.6 millimeters of rain on March 31, with 65 millimeters falling within a two-hour period in the late afternoon. The heavy rains created hazardous conditions, leading to a travel ban on the island as well, which will remain in effect until the storms pass. Reports from the area described torrents of rainwater cascading down streets, further complicating the already dire situation.
The adverse weather is not limited to just Paros and Mykonos. The eastern Aegean islands, including Chios, Samos, and Ikaria, are bracing for similar storms expected to arrive later on March 31 and continue into April 1. The Greek Meteorological Service has warned that heavy rain will spread to the Dodecanese islands and the western and southern regions of Crete by April 2.
In total, the two main cities of Paros, Parikia and Naousa, have been particularly hard-hit, with homes inundated and cars swept away. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties, but the situation remains critical as residents deal with the aftermath of the severe weather.
As the storm system moves across the region, the impact on local infrastructure and tourism is expected to be significant. Authorities are urging anyone traveling to or currently on the islands to stay informed and follow local news and instructions from emergency services. The civil protection service continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to provide assistance as needed.
With the storms expected to continue and further rainfall on the horizon, residents and tourists alike are advised to remain vigilant. The Greek islands, known for their picturesque landscapes and vibrant tourism, now face a challenging recovery period as they navigate the effects of this severe weather.
In summary, the combination of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms has caused significant disruptions across several Greek islands, leading to traffic bans, school closures, and emergency alerts. As conditions evolve, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and visitors during this tumultuous weather event.
