The Greek Civil Protection has issued a series of warnings and recommendations to citizens, as the country braces for Storm ATENA, which is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds in parts of Greece.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) issued an emergency severe weather bulletin warning of heavy rainfall with lightning and hail.
A low-pressure system causing the storm ATENA in the Central Mediterranean is moving eastward and is expected to make landfall on Monday evening (09-09-24) until Wednesday afternoon (11-09-24) in Greece.
The forecast predicts locally severe rain and thunderstorms, especially in the western, central, and northern mainland, as well as the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean.
Among other things, the Civil protection services advise Greek citizens to do the following:
- Secure objects that may be swept away by severe weather and cause damage or injury.
- Ensure that gutters and drains in homes are not blocked and are functioning properly.
- Avoid crossing torrents and streams, whether on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rain, and for several hours after their occurrence.
- Avoid outdoor work and activities in coastal and marine areas during severe weather (due to the risk of lightning strikes).
- Seek shelter immediately during a hailstorm. Take refuge in a building or car and do not leave until the storm has passed. Hail can be extremely dangerous for animals too.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, such as traffic police, etc.
Emergency alert 112 sounded in Western Greece as the ATENA storm approaches the western regions of the country, the 112 emergency alert system sent warnings to several areas.
In Patras, Igoumenitsa, and Megalopolis, the 112 alert has already been sounded, warning of extreme weather conditions and advising residents to limit travel from the afternoon until midday tomorrow.
The message reads: “Dangerous weather phenomena until midday on 10/9. Limit your movements and follow the authorities’ instructions,” while residents of Corfu received a similar message.
In a post on social media, known meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis warned of severe thunderstorms and the possibility of local flooding.
