Greece Braces for Yet Another Snowstorm

Snowstorms, thunderstorms and gale-force winds are forecast for Greece this weekend, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) announced on Friday.

The weather is expected to deteriorate from Friday night and remain stormy until Sunday afternoon, with heavy rain and storms in central and southern Greece, as well as snow at higher altitudes and very strong northerly winds of 8-9 Beaufort.

Snowfall is expected beginning late Friday night in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Western Macedonia and parts of Epirus. On Saturday, snow is forecast in mountainous and semi-mountainous of Western and Central Macedonia, Thessaly, central and eastern Central Greece, Evia and the central and eastern Peloponnese.

The snow will gradually clear from the north on Saturday night.

Meteorologist Giannis Kallianos told newsit.gr that heavy rains forecast for parts of Attica may cause extensive flooding, as there is still a great deal of snow that has now turned to ice in most parts of Athens.

Greece still recovering from Monday’s snowstorm

The Greek capital is still trying to recover from the snowstorm of Monday when thousands of people were trapped in heavy snow on the Attiki Odos, Athens’ main ring road. In many northern suburbs of the city, roads are still covered in snow and ice, making driving impossible.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offered a “personal and sincere apology” on Wednesday to all citizens trapped on roads and a train during the blizzard that hit Athens and eastern Greece.

Heavy snow also fell on the Greek islands in a very rare weather event.

As the new wave of bad weather is approaching, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection on Friday urged the public to be particularly careful and to protect themselves against potential dangers as a result of the intense weather phenomena.

In areas expected to have heavy rain, thunderstorms and gale-force winds, it advised people to secure objects that may cause injury or damage, to keep drains and gutters clear, to avoid crossing streams on foot or in vehicles and avoid working outdoors, on sea or even along the coast.

It noted that people should immediately take cover if there is hail and avoid passing under large trees, signs and places where objects may become dislodged and fall.

The public are also advised to follow the instructions of the authorities.

Advice issued for motorists

In areas where snow or icy conditions are forecast, drivers are advised to be informed about the weather and state of the roads, to have a full tank of fuel and snow chains, to travel during the day on only central roads, to tell others which route they will take and avoid travel if possible.

Those traveling on foot are also asked to avoid moving about if possible, to wear many layers of light clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing and to wear appropriate winter boots.

Information on the state of the road network is provided on the Hellenic Police website www.astynomia.gr. Information on self-protection during severe weather is also available on the website www.civilprotection.gr.