Athens, December 4 – A powerful weather front, dubbed Storm Byron, has swept across Athens and other regions of Greece, bringing torrential rainfall, intense lightning, and widespread flooding. The storm, which made landfall from the south on Thursday, has impacted both western and eastern parts of the country, leading to significant disruption and emergency responses.
Athens Under Siege: Streets Turn to Rivers
In Athens, many streets have been transformed into fast-flowing streams, with residents reporting intense lightning activity. The fire service has already responded to calls in critical areas such as Elefsina, Aspropyrgos, and Piraeus, addressing incidents related to the severe weather conditions.
According to the Meteo meteorological service, significant rainfall has been recorded across Attica, particularly in its western regions. By 4 p.m. Thursday, Vlychada had registered 71.4 mm of rainfall, Vilia 67.6 mm, and Salamina 33.8 mm, highlighting the intensity of the downpour.
Widespread Disruption Across Greece
Storm Byron’s impact extends far beyond the capital. On the western island of Zakynthos, authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to flooded streets and multiple rockfalls observed in Alykes and other areas. Similarly, in Mani, located in the southeastern Peloponnese, the Fire Service was dispatched to rescue two individuals trapped in floodwaters. Residents in Mani received an emergency alert via the 112 hotline, advising them to remain indoors for their safety.
Further compounding the travel woes, falling rocks have forced the closure of a section of the national highway connecting Sparta and Gytheio, both of which have experienced severe flooding. The eastern Aegean island of Rhodes has also been significantly affected, with authorities ordering all schools to remain closed on Friday following intense flooding on Thursday and forecasts predicting further heavy rainfall.
School Closures and Emergency Warnings
In response to the escalating weather conditions, schools across various parts of the country, including Attica, have been ordered to close on Friday. This decision followed an updated emergency severe-weather bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service on Thursday morning, which warned of dangerous conditions in at least nine regions as Storm Byron expands northward.
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency services remaining on high alert to respond to further incidents. Residents in affected areas are advised to exercise extreme caution, follow official guidance, and stay informed through local news channels and emergency alerts.
The full extent of the damage and the long-term impact of Storm Byron are yet to be assessed as the storm continues its trajectory across Greece.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1288743/stormy-weather-hits-greece-on-two-sides/
