Storm Alexandros: Heavy Rain, Flooding Risks, and Strong Winds Threaten Greece

The severe weather system known as "Alexandros" is set to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to large parts of Greece, with the worst conditions expected between Friday afternoon and Saturday evening.

The Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, warned that several regions, including Thessaly, the Northern Sporades, Evia, and Fthiotida, are at heightened risk of flooding and other weather-related disruptions.

Areas at Highest Risk
Regions identified as “in the red” for extreme weather include Thessaly, the Northern Sporades, and parts of Central and Northern Evia. These areas could experience severe flooding and gale-force northeasterly winds. Additionally, heavy rain and thunderstorms will affect eastern and southern islands, particularly the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese.

Problems in Attica
In Attica, heavy rain on Friday evening caused street flooding, turning roads in Moschato into rivers. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official instructions as the storm progresses.

National Weather Service Warning
The National Weather Service (EMY) has issued a bulletin outlining the key risks:
- Friday, 15 November 2024: Heavy rain and thunderstorms will begin in the Ionian Sea and move to Epirus, western Sterea, and parts of the Peloponnese by midday. Severe weather will spread to Thessaly, the Sporades, Evia, and eastern Sterea by late afternoon.
- Saturday, 16 November 2024: The most intense rain is forecast for Thessaly, the Sporades, and northern Evia, with severe storms likely to continue in the eastern Aegean and Dodecanese until evening.

Winds of 8–9 Beaufort are expected in the northern and central Aegean, further compounding the risk of hazardous conditions.

Government Response
An emergency meeting chaired by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection brought together representatives from the fire service, police, armed forces, and local authorities to coordinate responses to the expected impacts.

Residents in high-risk areas are advised to prepare for possible evacuations and heed warnings as authorities monitor the storm’s progression.