Severe weather battered large parts of Greece on Monday, unleashing torrential rain, violent thunderstorms, and widespread disruption, as authorities placed affected areas on high alert and warned that unstable conditions will continue.
The strongest impact was recorded in northern Greece, where heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow, forcing emergency rescues and major traffic disruptions. The town of Sidirokastro was declared under a state of emergency after floodwaters threatened nearby residential areas. Crews using heavy machinery worked to divert water away from homes, while fire service teams rescued a couple trapped at a livestock facility due to flooding.
Local and regional authorities convened an emergency civil protection meeting to coordinate response efforts, as police shut down multiple roads across northern regions because of hazardous conditions.
Meteorological data highlighted the intensity of the storm system. According to Meteo, more than 43,000 electrical discharges were recorded nationwide on Monday, primarily over coastal, island, and marine areas. Satellite data showed 43,295 lightning events by late afternoon, with the majority occurring over the sea.
Rainfall totals were equally extreme. Measurements from Greece’s national weather station network showed accumulated rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters in parts of northern Greece and southern mainland regions, with some locations recording well above that threshold in less than a day.
On Tuesday, the storm system shifted south, placing Crete at the center of severe weather conditions. Greece’s national weather authorities issued a top-level risk alert for the region, warning of intense rain, thunderstorms, and localized hail. Port authorities urged boat owners to secure vessels, while professional maritime activity was suspended in some areas.
Heavy rain and storms are also expected across parts of the eastern Aegean islands, the Dodecanese island chain, and other southern regions through Tuesday, while conditions gradually improve in the north. Despite the unsettled weather, temperatures are expected to remain mild for the season, slightly above average in several areas.
Forecasters also warned of additional rounds of severe weather later in the week, raising concerns over further flooding and disruptions as Greece remains under an extended period of unstable weather.
