72 Hours of Weather Chaos in Greece: Red Alert Issued as Severe Storms Sweep the Country

Active Meteoalarm Warnings Across Greece

According to the European warning platform Meteoalarm, Greece is entering a period of high-impact weather lasting from early Thursday through late Saturday. Alerts cover nearly the entire country:

• Red Alert — Thessaly (Larissa, Volos, Pelion): severe thunderstorms, torrential rain, flash-flood risk, strong winds, storm damage.
• Orange Alerts — Central Macedonia (including Thessaloniki), Western Greece, parts of the Peloponnese, coastal Ionian and Aegean sectors.
• Yellow Alerts — northern Greece, border regions near Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria, plus scattered zones in southern/central parts of the country.

The red warning is active from 02:00 on December 5 until 00:00 on December 6 (GMT+2), signalling a high likelihood of flooding, landslides and life-threatening storms.

Synoptic Overview: Why the Weather Is Turning Extreme

Meteorologists from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) confirm that a well-structured low-pressure system is moving in from the west, pulling deep moisture from the Ionian Sea. Orographic uplift over central Greece and surrounding mountains is enhancing rainfall intensity and triggering widespread thunderstorm activity.

Forecasters warn of “persistent thunderstorms and continuous rainfall for at least 72 hours,” while strong southeast winds will reach 7–8 Beaufort, locally 9 at sea, creating dangerous conditions for vessels and coastal regions.

Regions Expected to Be Hit the Hardest

Thessaly (Larissa, Volos, Pelion): The core of the storm system. Forecast rainfall totals of 100–150 mm raise the threat of river overflow, urban flooding and slope failures on Pelion.

Central Macedonia (Thessaloniki, Pieria): Repeated thunderstorm clusters may bring damaging winds, frequent lightning, downed trees and power outages.

Attica (Athens metropolitan area): The danger lies not only in rainfall but in the region’s limited natural drainage. Even moderate downpours can trigger rapid urban flooding.

Ionian Islands & Western Greece: The storm arrives earliest here, bringing heavy rain and severe thunderstorms, alongside strong winds and rough seas.

Peloponnese, Aegean Islands, Crete: As the system shifts south, the heaviest rainfall will reach parts of the Peloponnese, the Cyclades, the Eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese, including western and southern Crete.

Main Hazards Expected

• Flash floods in ravines, riverbeds and poorly drained areas.
• Urban flooding in Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos and other densely built areas.
• Landslides and mudflows in mountainous and hilly regions.
• Power outages caused by lightning strikes and fallen trees.
• Coastal flooding & storm surge across both the Ionian and Aegean seas.

Safety Advice for Citizens and Authorities

Meteorologist Giannis Kallianos stresses: “No need for panic — but great caution is required.”
Authorities are urged to clear storm drains, monitor landslide-prone areas, protect critical infrastructure and deliver early public warnings.

Residents are advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
• Stay away from streams and flooded roads.
• Secure outdoor objects and avoid parking under unstable trees.
• Follow announcements from EMY and local civil protection services.

Forecast Timeline and When Conditions Will Improve

The most intense phase is expected between Thursday night and Saturday night. Northern and western regions will be affected first, followed by southern and island regions. By Sunday, the low-pressure system begins to weaken and move eastward, allowing for gradual improvement.

However, even after the storms ease, saturated soils and weakened slopes may continue to pose hazards. Vigilance is still required.