Storm “Adel” swept across western Greece on Wednesday, unleashing severe weather that flooded roads, triggered landslides and left parts of Corfu and Aetolia-Acarnania struggling with power cuts and blocked routes. Authorities warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day.

Emergency alerts were sent to mobile phones in the affected areas, urging people to stay indoors as heavy rain and storm winds continued through the night. Meteorologists noted that the storm’s cloud tops reached unusually high altitudes, signaling the strength of the system.

Corfu

Local officials in Corfu reported extensive flooding, especially in low-lying districts where streets were submerged and streams overflowed. Firefighters received continuous calls to pump water from homes and businesses, while fallen walls and minor landslides complicated travel in several coastal and hillside communities. A municipal council meeting was cancelled after the assembly hall flooded from rainwater entering through the roof.

Schools across the wider Corfu region will remain closed on Thursday due to the hazardous conditions and the risk posed by damaged infrastructure and unstable slopes.

Aetolia-Acarnania

Aetolia-Acarnania, on the mainland, faced similar challenges as swollen streams carried debris into residential areas. Municipal crews were dispatched to clear blockages and redirect water to prevent further damage. Heavy rainfall also put pressure on local drainage systems, with reports of rising water levels in several towns.

Travel was affected as well. A scheduled evening flight from Athens to Corfu was unable to land safely and returned to the capital.

Meteorologists warn that the severe weather will continue throughout Thursday, bringing intense rain, thunderstorms and the possibility of large hail across the Ionian Islands, western and central Greece, the Peloponnese, and parts of northern regions including Macedonia and Thrace. Strong southerly winds are expected to reach gale force at sea.

Forecasts indicate that the storm will persist into Friday, shifting its most powerful activity toward islands in the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese. Greece’s national weather service has issued an emergency bulletin, noting that many areas will experience dangerous conditions, including flash flooding, hailstorms and very strong gusts.