Severe weather is sweeping across much of Greece on Sunday, February 1, as a powerful storm system brings prolonged downpours, intense thunderstorms, hail, and heavy winds. The system is affecting seven regions and resulting in widespread disruption risks.
The National Meteorological Service released an updated emergency bulletin early in the day warning that dangerous conditions are forecasted for hours. Meteorologists have emphasized that the main threat comes not only from rainfall intensity but also from the extended duration of storm activity across multiple areas.
They have tracked the system in two main phases and expect it to impact Greater Athens (Attica), as well, with another burst of severe storms likely later in the evening.
Areas facing the strongest impact
Forecast data shows the heaviest rain and thunderstorm activity in Thessaly, especially in the Larissa and Magnesia regional units, including the Sporades islands. Storm fronts are also moving through Pieria, Imathia, and parts of the northeastern Aegean.
Crete, western Central Greece, central Macedonia, eastern Central Greece, and Evia will likewise experience severe conditions. In Attica, storm strength will increase again toward the evening hours. Colder air moving into the region will result in snowfall in semi-mountainous areas of northern Greece and in certain lower elevation zones.
Storm activity will continue Monday across the eastern Aegean, while heavy rain and thunderstorms will persist into the morning in the Dodecanese and Crete.
Severe storms raise travel and flood risk warnings in Greece
Weather officials warn that the storms could disrupt travel and daily commutes. Drivers can expect low visibility and standing water on the roads, which can slow traffic and increase the risk of accidents.
Low-lying city areas are especially at risk for flash flooding, while flat inland regions may see large amounts of runoff. Coastal and island areas will face the strongest winds, with gusts up to force 9 on the Beaufort scale (39–54 mph), resulting in dangerous conditions at sea.
Even if the rain eases for a short time, unstable conditions are expected to persist across the country. Forecast models show another round of storms building later in the afternoon and evening, particularly in northern and eastern areas.