Greece is currently experiencing severe weather conditions, prompting school closures and travel disruptions across various regions. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued warnings for heavy rain, strong storms, and significant snowfall, particularly affecting northern and central Greece. Citizens are urged to take precautions as the weather is expected to worsen over the next few days.
Key Takeaways
- Severe weather warnings issued for northern and central Greece.
- School closures announced in multiple municipalities.
- Travel disruptions due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
Overview Of The Weather Situation
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has updated its severe weather bulletin, indicating that heavy rain, strong storms, and snow are expected to impact northern Greece significantly. The weather is predicted to deteriorate from Sunday through Tuesday, with the worst conditions anticipated in the western regions.
Snowfall is expected to affect mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, with lower altitudes in northern regions also likely to see snow starting Sunday night. Temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, with central and northern areas experiencing a decrease of 9โ10ยฐC, while other regions will see a drop of 3โ5ยฐC.
School Closures Across Greece
In response to the severe weather, several municipalities have announced school closures to ensure the safety of students and staff. Key areas affected include:
- Western Macedonia: Schools will remain closed on Monday.
- Eastern and Central Macedonia: Local mayors will decide on closures on a case-by-case basis.
- Thessaloniki and Thessaly: Schools are closed due to intense weather conditions.
Additionally, some municipalities have suspended activities at Creative Activity Centers, although preschools may remain open in certain areas.
Travel Disruptions
The severe weather has also led to significant travel disruptions. Heavy snowfall and gale-force winds have resulted in:
- Sailing Bans: Various maritime routes, including ArkitsaโAidipsos and KavalaโPrinos Thasos, are under sailing bans due to dangerous conditions.
- Traffic Restrictions: Heavy vehicles are banned from certain highways, including the Egnatia Highway, to ensure safety during the storm.
- Snow Chains Required: Drivers in affected regions are required to use snow chains on their vehicles to navigate the treacherous road conditions.
Safety Precautions
The Civil Protection Agency has issued guidelines for citizens to follow during this severe weather event. Recommendations include:
- Securing loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
- Ensuring that gutters and drains are clear to prevent flooding.
- Avoiding large trees and other potential hazards during storms.
Authorities are on high alert and are prepared to respond to the effects of the extreme weather. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety until conditions improve.
As the severe weather is expected to gradually weaken by Tuesday, residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for any further developments.
