Greece on High Alert: Storm Elena’s Aftermath and New Polar Weather Front Approaching

Greece is grappling with the aftermath of severe weather brought by Storm Elena, which unleashed heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds across the country.

Meteorologists warn that a new wave of extreme weather originating from Ukraine, accompanied by a polar air mass, is expected to hit this weekend, bringing more rain, thunderstorms, and snow.

Forecast Highlights and Snow Alerts

Meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis reports that the current weather system will ease slightly on Friday, offering a brief respite before the polar cold front arrives. By the weekend, eastern parts of Greece, including mountainous areas of Attica, could experience significant snowfall. Snowfall may extend to lower altitudes in northern Attica, while Monday and New Year’s Day are forecast to bring milder conditions.

Storm Elena’s Devastation

In Attica, the heavy rain caused flooding and disruption, with the fire brigade responding to approximately 40 emergency calls for water pumping and tree clearing in areas such as Kifissia, Alimos, Piraeus, and Glyfada. Flooding also impacted major roadways, including the Athens-Corinthos highway, where lanes were partially closed due to water accumulation near Aspropyrgos.

Strong winds uprooted trees in Ilioupoli, damaging cars, while snowfall in Parnitha led to the closure of Parnitha Avenue near the cable car.

Flooding and Damage Beyond Athens

Elsewhere, Evia experienced significant flooding after the Messapios River swelled late Wednesday. Roads in Maletiani, Kymi, were inundated, and water supply networks were disrupted. Emergency crews were dispatched to assist the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, where debris clogged drainage systems, flooding storage areas.

In Arachova, a sudden snowstorm led to a massive traffic jam stretching five kilometers, exacerbated by electric vehicles unable to operate efficiently in low temperatures and drivers without snow chains. Police and fire services worked for hours to clear the congestion.

Current Weather Warnings

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and strong winds across several regions, including:

• Eastern Thessaly and Sporades: Persistent rain and thunderstorms with snowfall in mountainous areas.
• Evia and Central Greece: Severe weather, including snow in elevated areas, accompanied by winds up to 9 Beaufort.
• Attica: Rain and isolated thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon, with winds reaching 8 Beaufort in the east.
• Aegean Islands and Crete: Heavy rain in the Cyclades and snow in the mountains of Crete.

Temperature and Wind Conditions

Temperatures will remain low across the country, with frost expected in parts of Epirus and Macedonia. Winds will reach gale force in the Aegean, especially in the north and central regions, posing additional risks to maritime and coastal activities.

Authorities Urge Caution

Officials are advising residents to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in areas prone to flooding and snow. With Storm Elena’s impact still fresh and a new wave of extreme weather on the horizon, Greece remains on high alert as it enters the final days of the year.

Stay tuned to local updates and follow safety protocols as Greece braces for another challenging bout of winter weather.