Urgent EMY Bulletin: Severe Weather "ATENA" Continues Its Path - Where It Will Strike in the Coming Hours

The severe weather system "ATENA" is causing dangerous weather phenomena, which, according to EMY, are expected to last until Wednesday afternoon. Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms, which will be accompanied locally by frequent lightning strikes, hailstorms, and strong gusty winds.

Urgent EMY Bulletin: The Urgent Weather Alert issued on Monday (9/9) has been updated based on the latest forecast data.

According to the updated Urgent Weather Alert from EMY, the severe weather system "ATENA," which is associated with a low-pressure system in the Northern Aegean, will continue to affect northern and eastern island regions with heavy rain and thunderstorms until midday Wednesday.

Details:

• A. Until the late morning hours on Wednesday, the weather is expected to be particularly intense in eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and the northern Aegean islands (Thasos, Samothrace, Agios Efstratios, and Lemnos).
• B. Rain and thunderstorms will continue to occur in the remaining islands of the Eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese until midday, and they will be heavy at times.

In the afternoon, the weather phenomena will weaken across the country.

Citizens can get daily updates on the development of severe weather phenomena through EMY's regular weather bulletins and on EMY's website at www.emy.gr.

General Secretariat for Civil Protection Guidelines

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Citizen Protection has informed the relevant state services, as well as regional and municipal authorities, to be on high alert to promptly address the impacts of severe weather phenomena.

The General Secretariat advises citizens to exercise particular caution and take self-protection measures to mitigate risks from severe weather conditions.

Thunderstorms

Specifically in areas where intense rainfall, thunderstorms, or stormy winds are expected:

• Secure objects that, if blown away by severe weather, could cause damage or injuries.
• Ensure that gutters and downspouts are not blocked and are functioning properly.
• Avoid crossing rivers and streams on foot or by vehicle during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall and for several hours after their occurrence.
• Avoid outdoor activities and activities in coastal and marine areas during severe weather events (risk of lightning strikes).
• Seek immediate shelter during a hailstorm. Take refuge in a building or vehicle, and do not leave the safe space until the storm has passed. Hail can also be very dangerous for animals.
• Avoid passing under large trees, hanging signs, and areas where light objects (e.g., flowerpots or broken glass) might detach and fall to the ground (e.g., under balconies).
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, such as traffic police.

In areas with intense lightning activity:

If you are indoors:

• Do not use electrical devices or the telephone, as lightning can travel through the wires. Unplug televisions from antennas and electrical outlets.
• Avoid touching plumbing fixtures (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.

If you are in a vehicle:

• Pull over to the side of the road and away from trees that may fall on it.
• Stay inside and turn on hazard lights until the storm subsides.
• Close the windows and avoid touching metal objects.
• Avoid flooded roads.

If you are outdoors:

• Seek shelter in a building or vehicle; if not possible, sit down on the ground without lying down.
• Take cover under solid branches of low trees if you are in a forest.
• Never seek shelter under a tall tree in an open area.
• Avoid low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding.
• Do not stand near power poles, power lines, telephone lines, or fences.
• Avoid approaching metal objects (e.g., vehicles, bicycles, camping gear).
• Stay away from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
• If you are in the sea, come ashore immediately.
• If you are in an open flat area and feel your hair standing on end (a sign that lightning is imminent), crouch low with your head between your knees (to minimize body surface and contact with the ground), and discard any metal objects you are carrying.

For more information and self-protection advice against severe weather phenomena, citizens can visit the General Secretariat for Civil Protection's website at www.civilprotection.gr.