Dozens of regions across Greece are struggling with flooding and power cuts as Storm Byron lashes the country, prompting school closures in Attica on Friday, December 5.

The storm hit the wider Athens area on Thursday evening, causing massive floods, traffic light outages, and road closures. Firefighters were called to Elefsina, Aspropyrgos, and Piraeus to assist stranded residents and manage flooding. Western Attica recorded the heaviest rainfall, particularly in Vlychada, Vilia, and Salamina.

Storm Byron moved into Attica at around 5pm on Thursday after taking a toll earlier on Rhodes, Zakynthos, Laconia, Crete, Kefalonia, Central Macedonia, Thessaly, and Evia and leaving behind overflowing rivers, landslides, and traffic gridlock across main roadways.

In Attica, Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias after meeting with Civil Protection authorities, ordered all public and private schools to remain closed on Friday, December 5 to ensure student safety.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas also said municipal services would be on high alert.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis urged citizens to exercise caution, especially when commuting or navigating flood-affected areas. The storm has additionally brought snowfall to mountainous regions across the country.

Storm Byron Continues into Saturday

Storm Byron

Photo: Michalis Karagiannis/Eurokinissi

According to the National Weather Service, Storm Byron is expected to continue into Saturday morning, December 6, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. The Peloponnese, the Cyclades islands, the Eastern Aegean islands, and Crete are forecast to experience severe conditions.

Red code alerts have been issued for Pieria, Imathia, Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Thessaly, the Sporades islands, Evia, the Eastern Aegean islands, and the Dodecanese. Weather conditions are expected to improve early Saturday.

Kefalogiannis advised citizens to remain vigilant and closely follow official announcements via the 112 emergency number. The National Coordination Center for Civil Protection Operations, he said, has ensured full operational readiness, coordinating with all municipalities and regional authorities to respond swiftly.

Meanwhile, following an emergency meeting late on Thursday, the Interior Ministry issued a circular allowing public employees to take justified leave from work on Friday, December 5, 2025, due to Storm Byron.