Heavy rain, hail, and lightning from Storm Adel swept across Greece on Friday, striking Athens and several regions with early-morning downpours. The storm caused significant flooding, travel chaos, and various incidents across Attica and other parts of the country.
Widespread Rainfall and Flooding in Attica
The National Observatory reported substantial rainfall in key areas of Attica. By 9 a.m., Faliro recorded 52 millimeters of rain, while Alimos and Kifissia both measured 50 mm. This intense precipitation quickly led to widespread flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and urban centers.
The impact on Athens’ infrastructure was immediate and severe. Part of Pireos Street was briefly closed due to high water levels, disrupting traffic flow. Outside Moschato’s rail station, floodwaters reached approximately 1 meter, forcing commuters to rely on municipal pickup trucks to cross the submerged area. This incident highlighted the challenges faced by public transport users during the storm.
Incidents Across Greece
Beyond Athens, Storm Adel caused problems in other regions. In the southern Greek region of Argolida, significant flooding was reported. By midafternoon, the island of Lesvos was also hit by heavy hail, which clogged drains and led to the flooding of streets and shops in Mytilene. Civil protection officials on Lesvos issued urgent warnings, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to the hazardous conditions.
A more serious incident occurred in Mesolongi, where lightning struck the 2/39 Evzones Regiment. Four soldiers were hospitalized as a result; three were later released, while one was transferred to Patra for further medical tests. This underscores the dangerous nature of the storm’s electrical activity.
Disruptions and Closures
The severity of Storm Adel led to numerous disruptions. Eleven municipalities across Greece took the precautionary measure of closing schools, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. These closures were primarily in response to reports of landslides, fallen trees, and widespread power outages in regions such as Epirus, Corfu, and Foinikounta. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning created conditions that made travel and daily activities unsafe in many areas.
Emergency Response and Public Safety
Emergency services and civil protection units were deployed across the affected regions to manage the crisis. Their efforts focused on addressing flooding, clearing obstructions, and ensuring public safety. The rapid response was crucial in mitigating further damage and assisting those affected by the storm’s immediate impacts.
As the storm gradually subsided, authorities began assessing the full extent of the damage and initiating recovery efforts. The events of Friday served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of urban and rural areas to extreme weather phenomena, and the importance of robust emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1288246/adel-batters-athens-causing-travel-chaos-and-floods/
