Greek authorities have placed 11 regions under a “Red Code” emergency alert ahead of a period of severe weather expected to affect parts of the country from Friday, July 24, through Saturday, July 25.

The decision follows an emergency weather bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) and a meeting of the national Risk Assessment Committee, which reviewed forecasts of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, frequent lightning and possible hail.

Areas Expected to Be Hit Hardest

Forecasters expect the most severe weather on Friday in the Sporades islands, central and northern Evia, and coastal areas of the Larissa and Magnesia regional units.

Strong thunderstorms are also forecast for Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Pieria, Imathia, Attica, Fthiotida and southern Evia.

In Attica, rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop on Friday afternoon and evening. On Saturday, the weather system is forecast to shift toward the Aegean, with locally intense storms expected in the Sporades, Thasos, Limnos and Samothrace.

Emergency Services on Full Alert

Following the updated forecast, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection activated its highest state of operational readiness, known as “Red Code,” for Attica, parts of Central Greece, Thessaloniki, Pieria, Imathia, Halkidiki, Larissa, Magnesia, Thasos, Limnos and the island of Samothrace.

Authorities said emergency personnel and equipment are being deployed to ensure a rapid response to any incidents and to minimise the impact of the expected weather.

Local and regional authorities in the affected areas have been instructed to activate their civil protection coordination bodies and prepare flood response measures. The national emergency operations centre has also coordinated with local authorities to ensure operational readiness.

The Risk Assessment Committee is scheduled to meet again on Friday morning to review the latest forecasts.

Public Advised to Take Precautions

Civil Protection urged residents to secure loose outdoor objects, clear drains and gutters, and avoid crossing streams or flood-prone areas during heavy rainfall.

People are also advised to limit outdoor activities during thunderstorms, seek shelter immediately in the event of hail, avoid standing beneath large trees or unstable structures, and follow instructions issued by emergency services and traffic authorities.

During lightning storms, officials recommend avoiding the use of electrical appliances and landline telephones indoors. Those caught outside should seek shelter in a building or vehicle and stay away from bodies of water, metal objects and power lines.