Severe Weather Warning for Corfu and Ionian Islands: Civil Protection Issues Urgent Guidelines
A new wave of severe weather is forecast to affect Corfu and the Ionian Islands, starting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued an Extraordinary Weather Deterioration Bulletin on Monday, November 24, 2025, predicting intense and prolonged rainfall and thunderstorms across the region.
Expected Weather Conditions:
Tuesday, November 25, 2025:
- Strong local rains and thunderstorms are expected in the northern Ionian Sea, primarily affecting Corfu, the Diapontia Islands, and Paxos.
- Coastal areas of Epirus will also experience significant rainfall.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025:
- Intense rains and thunderstorms will continue across the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Diapontia Islands, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca), Epirus, and Aetolia-Acarnania.
Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, 2025:
- Severe weather will extend to all Ionian Islands (Corfu, Diapontia Islands, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos), Epirus, Western and Central Greece, Western and Southern Peloponnese, Central and Eastern Macedonia, and Thrace.
- On Friday, November 28, strong phenomena are also expected in the islands of the Eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese.
Civil Protection Recommendations:
In light of the impending weather conditions, the Civil Protection Department of Corfu P.E. urges citizens to adhere to the guidelines issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, EMY weather bulletins, and instructions from local authorities such as the Traffic Police, Port Authority, and Fire Service.
General Safety Measures:
- Secure objects that could be swept away by strong winds or rain, potentially causing damage or injury.
- Ensure that gutters and drains are clear and functioning properly.
- Avoid crossing torrents and streams, whether on foot or by vehicle, during and for several hours after heavy rainfall.
- Refrain from outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather (risk of lightning strikes).
- Seek immediate shelter during a hailstorm. Take refuge in a building or car and do not leave until you are certain the storm has passed. Hailstorms can also be very dangerous for animals.
- Avoid standing under large trees, suspended signs, and generally in areas where light objects (e.g., flower pots, broken glass, etc.) could detach and fall (e.g., under balconies).
- Strictly follow the instructions of local authorities, such as the Traffic Police.
During Intense Lightning Activity:
If you are at home:
- Do not hold electrical appliances or the telephone, as lightning can travel through wires.
- Disconnect TV sets from the antenna and power supply.
- Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.
If you are in a car:
- Stop the car at the side of the road, away from trees that could fall on it.
- Stay inside and turn on the hazard lights until the storm subsides.
- Close windows and avoid touching metal objects.
- Avoid flooded roads.
If you are outdoors:
- Seek refuge in a building or car. If not possible, sit immediately on the ground without lying down.
- Protect yourself under solid branches of low trees if you are in a forest.
- Never take refuge under a tall tree in an open area.
- Avoid low-lying areas due to flood risk.
- Do not stand next to pylons, power lines, telephone lines, and fences.
- Do not approach metal objects (e.g., cars, bicycles, camping gear, etc.).
- Move away from rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.
- If you are in the sea, get out immediately.
- If you are isolated in a flat area and feel your hair stand on end (indicating an imminent lightning strike), squat down with your head between your legs (to minimize your body’s surface area and contact with the ground), discarding any metal objects you are carrying.
During a Hailstorm:
- Take immediate cover. Do not leave a safe area until you are certain the storm has passed. Hail can be very dangerous for animals.
Stay Informed:
Citizens can stay updated on the evolution of extraordinary weather phenomena through EMY’s regular weather bulletins and its website: www.emy.gr.
For information and announcements regarding road conditions, citizens can visit the Hellenic Police website: www.astynomia.gr.
General guidelines for severe weather are available on the General Secretariat for Civil Protection’s website: www.civilprotection.gr.
Additionally, as part of the “Laertes – Innovative Operational System for Natural Hazard Management in the Ionian Islands Region” project, the information system “hazardspro.eu” is available. This comprehensive crisis management tool for Civil Protection can also serve as a resource for citizens, providing information and guidance before, during, and after natural disasters. The system categorizes information into fires, floods, and landslides, with tiered access for Civil Protection agencies and the public, available via GIS maps and a mobile application (“Laertes” app).
The Civil Protection Department of Corfu P.E. remains on 24-hour alert and will intervene as and when required.
Source: corfutvnews.gr
