Severe weather system Byron has intensified across Greece, prompting widespread alerts and emergency measures. Authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant as the country faces heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds over the coming days.
The storm entered its most dangerous phase late Thursday, triggering continuous alerts from the 112 emergency system in regions including Magnesia, Larissa, the Sporades, Euboea, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, the Dodecanese, Crete, and the Cyclades. Residents were urged to limit travel and exercise extreme caution.
In Attica, the storm caused significant disruptions, with numerous streets turning into impassable torrents and public squares submerged. Meteorologists have predicted that the most severe conditions will persist until Friday morning.
Weather expert Klearchos Marousakis described the situation late Thursday as the “beginning of the storm,” highlighting the intensity yet to come. Recorded rainfall has already exceeded 100 tons per hectare in Laconia and 40–60 tons in parts of Attica. The storm is expected to intensify and spread to additional regions in the hours ahead, with eastern and southern Peloponnese, Attica, Boeotia, Euboea, and the Cyclades at greatest risk.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued an updated emergency bulletin, warning of strong and prolonged rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, and localized strong winds through early Saturday. The system, named Byron, is expected to impact the central and eastern regions of Greece first, including central Macedonia, Thessaly, eastern Sterea, Attica, Euboea, southern and eastern Peloponnese, the Cyclades, Crete, and the eastern Aegean islands.
Authorities have announced precautionary measures, including the closure of all public and private schools in the Attica region on Friday, December 5, as well as night schools on Thursday, December 4. The Regional Governor emphasized that this decision prioritizes public safety amid Red Alert conditions.
Significant disruptions have already been reported in Athens, Laconia, Zakynthos, Rhodes, and Crete, including flooded roads, landslides, and emergency rescue operations. Residents are advised to monitor live updates, follow official instructions, and avoid unnecessary travel.
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