Deadly Storm Bora Wreaks Havoc Across Greece: Floods, Snowfall, and Chaos
Greece is facing a severe weather crisis as Storm Bora unleashed heavy rain, thunderstorms, gale-force winds, and snowfall across vast regions of the country over the weekend. Tragically, the storm has already claimed one life, with a man found dead near the village of Kontia on the northern Aegean island of Lemnos due to flash floods. The Greek National Meteorological Service has issued emergency warnings, with the storm expected to persist until Monday.
Central Macedonia and Thessaly
Heavy rain, localized flooding, and snowfall in mountainous areas.
Notable regions include Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, and Pieria, which are under continuous warnings.
Aegean Islands and Ionian Sea
Islands like Lemnos and the Sporades experienced intense rainfall, resulting in flash floods.
Gale-force winds (8–9 Beaufort) caused disruptions in maritime activities.
Southern and Central Greece
Regions such as Athens, Euboea, and parts of the Peloponnese experienced torrential downpours.
Snowfall in higher elevations created hazardous travel conditions.
Crete and Cyclades
Western Crete and Cycladic islands were battered by severe rain and wind, raising concerns for power outages and transportation safety.
Key Weather Phenomena:
Rainfall and Thunderstorms: Significant accumulation led to flash floods in both urban and rural areas.
Gale-Force Winds: Winds reaching 75–90 km/h disrupted air and sea transport, particularly in the northern Aegean.
Snowfall: Central and western mountainous regions recorded heavy snow, complicating road conditions and isolating villages.
The Greek National Meteorological Service urges residents to stay updated via emergency bulletins. The European emergency hotline (112) has also been activated for timely alerts.
Authorities are focusing on disaster-prone regions like Thessaly, which suffered catastrophic floods in 2023.
Local governments are working to manage road closures and provide emergency shelters where needed.
Safety Recommendations:
Avoid non-essential travel in affected regions, especially in mountainous or flood-prone areas.
Secure outdoor items and avoid open water activities due to high winds.
Stay informed through official updates and monitor the evolving situation.
Storm Bora is a stark reminder of the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for robust disaster preparedness across Greece.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
