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Schools on five Greek islands will remain closed on Wednesday, October 14, as severe weather affects much of the country, with authorities warning of flooding and urging residents in some areas to avoid unnecessary travel.

A 112 emergency alert was sent to residents of Evia, Skyros and the Sporades on Tuesday, warning of dangerous conditions through Wednesday afternoon and advising them to travel only when absolutely necessary.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued a red weather warning for Evia, where prolonged heavy rainfall is expected, while several other regions, including Attica, are under orange warnings.

Which Schools Will Be Closed on Wednesday?

Evia: All schools in the municipality of Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna, in northern Evia, will switch to online learning. Mayor Giorgos Tsapourniotis announced the decision after being briefed by the national weather service, which warned that rainfall could exceed 150 millimeters in eastern parts of the municipality. The heaviest rain is expected overnight and into Wednesday morning.

Skiathos: All primary and secondary schools, along with the municipal daycare center, will remain closed. Lessons will be conducted online.

Skopelos: Primary and secondary schools, the special education school and the municipal preschool will close, with teaching continuing remotely.

Rhodes: All schools across the island will suspend operations under a decision by Mayor Alexandros Koliadis. The closures also extend to municipal preschools, special education facilities, children’s activity centers, sports facilities, the municipal conservatory and municipal workshops.

Symi: All kindergartens, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools will suspend in-person teaching. Mayor Eleftherios Papakalodoukas announced the decision following consultations with school principals.

Further closures may be announced as local authorities assess conditions.

Where Is the Worst Weather Expected?

Heavy rain and thunderstorms, accompanied in some areas by hail, are forecast across much of Greece through Wednesday, particularly along the coast and on the islands.

Evia faces some of the most severe conditions, with a red warning in effect through late Wednesday afternoon.

Following a meeting of the government’s Risk Assessment Committee on Tuesday, attended by Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas, authorities identified several areas requiring particular vigilance over the next two days.

On Tuesday, the greatest concern is focused on the Ionian islands of Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos, as well as the Peloponnese and Halkidiki in northern Greece.

In Attica, including Athens, heavy thunderstorms are expected from Tuesday afternoon through the night. Authorities have also warned of particularly strong winds during the night leading into Thursday.

Evia and neighboring areas will require continued vigilance, particularly from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, according to the committee’s assessment.

The Cyclades, Crete, Samos, Ikaria and the Dodecanese are expected to experience severe conditions through Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Northerly winds in eastern Greece could reach 8 to 10 on the Beaufort scale, posing additional risks, particularly in coastal and island areas.

The Meteo unit of the National Observatory of Athens has classified the rainfall event as Category 3, indicating a significant weather episode.

Temperatures are forecast to fall, with highs of 20 to 22 degrees Celsius (68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday.

Civil Protection Activates Red Code Emergency Measures

Greek Civil Protection authorities have activated Red Code emergency preparedness measures from midday Tuesday through Wednesday, October 14, following warnings of a high risk of flooding and damage from severe winds.

The measures cover Evia, the Sporades, Attica, the South Aegean, Crete, Samos, Ikaria and the Peloponnese.

Under the Red Code designation, the country’s emergency response system is placed on full alert, with personnel, equipment and other resources mobilized to respond to potential emergencies.

The Risk Assessment Committee meeting was convened by Civil Protection Secretary-General Nikos Papaefstathiou. Following its assessment, municipalities and regional authorities were instructed to convene their emergency coordination bodies to review preparations for flooding and severe winds.

The National Crisis Management and Operations Coordination Center has contacted regional and municipal authorities to coordinate the response, while fire departments in areas expected to be affected have been placed on heightened alert.

The Fire Service said its emergency response plan for flooding remains in effect, with provisions to deploy additional resources if conditions deteriorate.