While much of Greece remains gripped by an intense heatwave, the weather took a dramatic turn in the country’s north late Monday, with heavy rain and thunderstorms sweeping across Central Macedonia and other northern regions.
The storms brought frequent lightning, strong winds and torrential rainfall, offering a sharp contrast to the extreme temperatures affecting much of the rest of the country.
Severe Storms Strike Several Areas
Lightning activity intensified over the city of Thessaloniki before a powerful storm moved through the area.
Heavy thunderstorms also hit parts of Kavala and Serres, where intense rainfall was accompanied by continuous lightning.
Flooding and Fallen Trees Cause Disruption
The city of Drama was among the hardest-hit areas, with heavy downpours causing traffic disruption in the city center. Wet roads, reduced visibility and strong winds made driving hazardous, with authorities urging motorists to exercise caution.
Strong winds also brought down trees and electricity poles in Drama and surrounding areas.
The local fire service received 21 calls to remove fallen trees and two additional calls to remove hazardous objects. A total of 10 firefighters and five fire engines were deployed to respond to the incidents.
