Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to continue affecting parts of Greece, raising the risk of flash flooding, transport disruptions and localized power outages, as authorities warn residents to remain vigilant amid deteriorating weather conditions.

The latest weather system has affected several regions since Monday, October 26, with intense rainfall reported in parts of the Attica region and western Greece. Forecasters expect unsettled conditions to continue on Tuesday, particularly across eastern and southern parts of the country.

Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry said heavy rain and thunderstorms, potentially accompanied by localized hail, were expected in several regions through Tuesday. Areas at risk include Attica, Thessaly, the Sporades islands, Evia, the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese.

The severe weather could cause flooding in urban areas, disrupt road traffic and strain local infrastructure, particularly in low-lying communities and areas with inadequate drainage.

Parts of the Athens metropolitan area have already experienced intense downpours and flooding. In Mandra and the coastal settlement of Porto Germeno, west of the capital, floodwaters swept debris through streets, with some locations reportedly recording up to 40 millimeters of rain in an hour on Monday.

Heavy rainfall also affected central Athens, northern suburbs and coastal areas to the south and east. No injuries were immediately reported in the initial accounts of the flooding.

Major transport corridors, including Poseidonos Avenue, the Kifisos highway and approaches to Attiki Odos, remain particularly vulnerable to disruption if further heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems.

The areas have experienced serious traffic problems during previous storms. Flooding along Poseidonos Avenue can restrict coastal traffic, while heavy rain near the Kifisos River raises concerns about water levels and congestion on one of the capital’s principal road arteries. Attiki Odos, a major ring road serving Athens and its airport, is also susceptible to delays during severe weather.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, avoid flooded roads and follow instructions issued by emergency services.

According to Greece’s National Meteorological Service, heavy rain and thunderstorms were forecast to persist in parts of the eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and Evia on Tuesday. Further rainfall was also expected in Thessaly, while strong winds could affect maritime transport.

Weather conditions may vary significantly between nearby locations, making the precise timing and extent of flooding difficult to predict. Short periods of intense rainfall can cause rapid rises in water levels, particularly in urban drainage channels and streams.

The latest forecast also follows a series of severe weather events in Greece this month. A storm in mid-October caused flooding, infrastructure damage and power outages in several regions, including Evia, Attica and the islands of Skiathos and Rhodes. Heavy rainfall raised water levels in the Kifisos River near Athens and caused the Kireas River to overflow in Evia.

The repeated incidents have renewed concerns about the vulnerability of roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure to intense rainfall.

Civil Protection authorities have advised residents in affected areas to secure loose objects, keep drainage channels clear where safe to do so and avoid crossing flooded roads or streams.

People have also been urged to limit unnecessary travel during intense storms, monitor official weather alerts and follow instructions from emergency services.

Floodwater can conceal damaged road surfaces, open drains and other hazards, while strong winds and thunderstorms can bring down trees and disrupt electricity supplies.

Although the most intense rainfall may ease in some areas, the risk of localized flooding can persist after the heaviest showers have passed, particularly where water accumulates in low-lying locations.

Authorities are continuing to monitor conditions as Greece faces another spell of severe autumn weather. (ILKHA)