Μake us preferred on Google Greece has placed nine areas under a “Red Code” emergency mobilization as severe weather intensifies Tuesday, with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast across several parts of the country.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection said the highest level of preparedness will remain in place through Thursday, Oct. 29, as authorities brace for worsening conditions during a period of increased travel surrounding Greece’s Oct. 28 national holiday.
The decision was based on an emergency severe weather bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) and an assessment by the country’s Risk Assessment Committee.
The state apparatus has already been placed on heightened alert.
The Red Code covers the regional units of Evia, Fthiotida and Boeotia in Central Greece; the Sporades, Magnesia and Larissa in Thessaly; the Attica region, which includes Athens; the Dodecanese regional unit in the South Aegean; and the North Aegean region.
Attica and the North Aegean were placed under Red Code status as a precaution, taking into account conditions created by previous rainfall. The measure is intended to allow the immediate activation of emergency mechanisms and preventive measures.
Heavy Rain and Storms Tuesday
EMY updated its emergency dangerous weather bulletin Monday based on the latest forecast data, warning of rain and thunderstorms across several regions, particularly in eastern Greece.
The storms could also be accompanied by localized hail.
Severe weather is expected to continue through at least Wednesday, Oct. 28.
On Tuesday, the Sporades and Evia are under an orange weather warning, with locally heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast until midday and again from the evening.
Eastern Central Greece, particularly Fthiotida and Boeotia, will come under an orange warning from late Tuesday night.
In Attica, severe weather is expected through the morning, with an orange warning in place.
The eastern Aegean islands will see a temporary period of severe weather through the afternoon, while the Dodecanese will come under an orange warning from late afternoon.
Conditions will also deteriorate in Thessaly, particularly Magnesia and Larissa, from Tuesday evening, with both areas under an orange warning.
The severe weather comes as travel increases ahead of Wednesday’s Oct. 28 national holiday, when Greece commemorates its rejection of an Italian ultimatum in 1940 and holds military and student parades across the country.
Rain Could Affect Oct. 28 Parades
Attention is also turning to Wednesday, Oct. 28, when Greece marks Ohi Day, a national holiday commemorated with student and military parades across the country.
Current forecasts indicate that the severe weather will gradually ease in parts of Greece, although rain could continue across eastern and southern regions.
In Attica, there is a chance of rain during the morning, when student parades are scheduled to take place. The outlook will depend on the development and trajectory of the weather system, with subsequent forecasts expected to provide a clearer picture.
Conditions in Thessaloniki are expected to be generally more favorable, although localized changes remain possible. Temperatures will be lower and winds will remain noticeable.
Eastern Central Greece, Evia, the Sporades, the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese currently face a greater chance of rain Wednesday.
EMY’s official severe weather warning covers Monday and Tuesday, meaning forecasts for Wednesday, Oct. 28, remain subject to change.
Authorities on Alert
Authorities remain on heightened alert for problems caused by heavy rain and thunderstorms.
People are advised to avoid flooded roads, streams and waterways, even after rainfall has stopped. They should secure objects that could be carried away by strong winds and check gutters and drainage systems at their homes.
During severe thunderstorms, people are advised to avoid outdoor activities, tall trees and metal structures, as well as sea travel when conditions are unfavorable.
Drivers should reduce their speed, maintain safe distances and never attempt to cross roads where water has accumulated.
Residents and travelers are advised to monitor announcements from EMY, Greece’s Civil Protection authorities and traffic police, as conditions may vary from one area to another as the weather system develops.
