Greece is on high alert as Storm Byron moves across the country, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms and damaging winds expected to persist through Friday and ease gradually on Saturday morning. Authorities have activated the highest emergency readiness level for ten regions and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel.
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), the storm will deliver intense and long-lasting rainfall from Thursday through early Saturday across much of the eastern and southern parts of the country. In several areas, the severe weather will be accompanied by hail and strong wind gusts. Wind speeds in parts of the southeastern islands are forecast to reach 8 and possibly 9 on the Beaufort scale on Friday.
Widespread Impact Expected
The heaviest conditions on Thursday are expected in regions including the Ionian Islands, central Macedonia, Thessaly, eastern mainland Greece (including Athens), Evia, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades, Crete, and islands of the eastern Aegean and Dodecanese.
On Friday, severe rainfall and storms will continue across much of eastern Greece, again affecting central Macedonia, Thessaly and the Sporades, eastern mainland regions including Athens, Evia, the eastern and southern Peloponnese, the Cyclades, Crete and the southern Aegean islands.
The weather is expected to improve from Saturday morning, with severe phenomena limited mainly to the Dodecanese.
Ten Regions Under ‘Red Code’ Mobilization
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed ten regions under “Red Code” mobilization—its highest alert level—effective from Wednesday through Saturday. These regions include Attica (greater Athens), Thessaly, the Peloponnese, the northern and southern Aegean islands, Crete, central Macedonia, central Greece and the Ionian Islands.
Fire Services in the affected areas have entered a state of enhanced readiness and can rapidly escalate operations if flooding or other emergencies occur.
Athens in the Spotlight
Attica, which includes the capital city of Athens, is under heightened alert from Thursday afternoon through early Friday. Meteorologists warn that the region’s high degree of urbanization and limited natural drainage increase the likelihood of localized flooding even if rainfall totals are not the highest nationwide.
Potential Hazards
Meteorologists caution that Storm Byron may trigger a range of disruptions, including:
- Flash floods in small streams or areas with poor drainage
- Urban flooding due to overwhelmed storm-water systems
- Road closures, delays and debris on major routes
- Localized landslides in hilly or mountainous regions
- Power outages caused by lightning or strong winds
- Temporary coastal flooding in areas exposed to high waves and low pressure
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving conditions as the Risk Assessment Committee convenes again on Thursday at noon. Residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and to take precautionary measures until the storm subsides.
