In a revised severe weather bulletin on Friday afternoon, the Greek meteorological service warned of hazardous weather conditions stemming from the low front “Elena”. The weather phenomena are expected to intensify over the weekend.
The resurgence of storm “Elena” is forecast to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, gale-force winds, plunging temperatures and significant snowfall across much of the country’s mainland.
Rain and snow are forecast to ease in most areas on Friday and worsening on Saturday along the eastern portions of the country.
Crete will experience local heavy rain and thunderstorms, with snow in the mountains. Eastern Macedonia and Thrace provinces will see dense snowfall in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas by evening, extending to lower altitudes (around 200 meters) overnight.
Gale-force northeast winds will sweep across the Aegean, eastern and southern Evia, eastern Attica, and parts of eastern Peloponnese, reaching 8 to 9 Beaufort.
On Saturday, heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the central and southern Aegean, the Sporades islands (early morning), large Evia island (until midday), and all the other Aegean islands by the afternoon.
Snowfall is expected in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of mainland Greece, Evia, and Attica (morning hours), as well as the northern and eastern Aegean islands, northern Cyclades and Crete.
This latest low front emanates from a fresh system moving south-southwest from Ukraine into the Aegean, bringing increased freezing conditions.
Meanwhile, police authorities on Friday afternoon announced that motorists in Attica prefecture, which encompasses the greater Athens-Piraeus agglomeration, must have snow chains or covers in their vehicles.
The announcement came amid the latest forecast of inclement weather in the country.
Similar announcements have been issued to motorists in other parts of the east Mediterranean country that are expected see snowfall.
Additionally, a ban on truck transports – above 3.5 tons – is in effect for stretches of provincial highways leading to and from greater Athens, at least until Saturday afternoon.
