Northwestern Greece was hit by intense storms on Thursday evening, as torrential rain, strong winds and powerful lightning strikes triggered road disruptions, property damage and widespread safety concerns across the regions of Ioannina and Thesprotia.

Authorities reported the heaviest rainfall in the mountain village of Papigo, where meteorological stations recorded 92 millimeters of rain by 10 p.m., according to the National Observatory of Athens’ Meteo network. Storm conditions were even more severe at high-altitude weather stations in the alpine lakes of the Pindus mountains, where wind gusts exceeded 100 km/h and rain remained heavy for hours.

One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in the Ambelokipi district of Ioannina, where a lightning strike hit the roof of a three-story residential building around 9:30 p.m. The impact blasted open a large hole, shattering roof tiles and scattering debris across the surrounding area. Fire crews rushed to the scene and confirmed that the concrete slab beneath the roof remained structurally intact.

In nearby Konitsa, relentless rain triggered small landslides and washed debris onto mountain roads, making parts of the network impassable. A pickup truck carrying two people became trapped above the town when the roadway flooded and was blocked by mud and stones. Firefighters safely evacuated the occupants, while municipal crews moved in to reopen the route.

Severe winds also caused significant damage in the coastal town of Igoumenitsa, where a large plane tree was uprooted along the waterfront. The tree collapsed onto a restaurant’s covered area and struck the balconies of a nearby apartment building. The incident caused material damage but no injuries.

Local authorities remain on alert as storm conditions continue across the mountainous areas of northern Pindus, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution near unstable slopes, waterfronts and exposed areas.