Severe thunderstorms lashed the Athens metropolitan area on Wednesday, bringing torrential rain, gale-force winds and hail to parts of the Greek capital as an intense weather system swept across much of the country.

The storm caused localized flooding and widespread disruption, with authorities reporting road closures, fallen trees and damage from strong winds. The severe weather was accompanied by a marked drop in temperatures.

Police closed sections of Piraeus Street after floodwaters accumulated on the roadway. Traffic was suspended in the direction of central Athens from Chamosternas Street and toward Piraeus from Petrou Ralli Street.

Heavy rainfall also caused the Kifisos River to swell, while a large tree fell in the Sepolia district, bringing down utility cables and crushing several parked vehicles.

In the port city of Piraeus, strong winds toppled scaffolding from a building onto Grigoriou Lambraki Street. According to witness accounts, the structure struck a passing motorcyclist, who escaped without serious injury. Police closed the road near Omiridou Skylitsi Street while emergency crews responded.

Storms, heavy rain and hail were reported in several regions across Greece as the weather front moved through the country. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to exercise caution as severe weather conditions persisted