Localized heavy rain and thunderstorms, snow even at low altitudes, and gale-force winds will continue today (14-01-25). From Wednesday (15-01-25), the phenomena will gradually weaken, but frost, especially in northern Greece, will persist for the next three days.

According to the latest forecast data from meteo.gr / National Observatory of Athens, the ongoing bad weather is expected to continue with rain and thunderstorms mainly in western and eastern parts, as well as snowfalls down to lowland areas in central and northern Greece.

More specifically, the following are expected:

• Rain and isolated thunderstorms in the Ionian Sea, western and southern mainland areas, and the Aegean. In parts of the Ionian and Eastern Aegean, the phenomena might be intense, while thunderstorms in the Aegean could be accompanied by hail.
• Snowfalls in the mountainous and semi-mountainous regions of the mainland. In Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, and possibly the northern parts of Eastern Central Greece, snowfalls are expected even in lowland areas.
• The phenomena will gradually subside and become more localized, initially in the north, and by the evening hours in other regions as well.
• Temperatures will drop slightly further in western and southern parts.

The following forecast maps depict the cumulative 3-hour precipitation in green and blue shades, as well as the estimated intensity of snowfall in pink and purple shades. The maps refer to the periods Monday (13/01) 23:00–Tuesday (14/01) 02:00, Tuesday (14/01) 05:00–08:00, and Tuesday (14/01) 11:00–14:00.

Ships remain docked in many ports
A sailing ban is currently in effect in many maritime areas due to gale-force winds blowing in the Ionian and Aegean, which, according to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), are reaching 8-9 Beaufort locally. Gradual easing is expected from the afternoon hours.

According to the Coast Guard, the Arkitsa-Aidipsos, Kavala-Prinos Thassos ferry routes are closed, while on the Keramoti-Thassos route, only the “Anax” vessel is operating.

A sailing ban is also in effect for the Alexandroupoli-Samothraki and Rio-Antirrio routes, while on the Kyllini-Kefalonia route, services are only being carried out with a captain’s written authorization.

Ferries from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio are operating as scheduled.

Passengers planning to travel today are advised to contact local port authorities and travel agencies prior to departure for potential changes or adjustments to the schedules due to adverse weather conditions.

Problems caused by yesterday’s bad weather
The heavy rainfall and intensity of the phenomena caused problems yesterday in Messinia, where the gale-force winds closed the Rio-Antirrio ferry crossing. Schools remained closed in northern Greece due to snow and low temperatures. Additionally, the coastal road in Athens required intervention by EYDAP (the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company) to prevent flooding similar to what occurred during the Christmas period.

Areas with the most rain on Monday
Significant rainfall was recorded by midday Monday (13/01) in parts of eastern Peloponnese and eastern Central Greece, as shown in the map below. The highest rainfall recorded by 14:00 was at the meteorological station in Spetses, with 95.8 millimeters.

The map below shows the total rainfall recorded by 14:00 Monday, as measured by 523 meteorological stations of the National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr automated network, highlighting the eight locations with the highest amounts.

Serious damages in Kalamata – Rio-Antirrio ferry crossing closed
Strong winds and heavy rainfall caused significant damage to the coastal front of Kalamata yesterday in the region of Messinia.

Particularly in the area of Kitries, within the municipality of West Mani, the road leading to the beach turned into a torrent, carrying debris, tearing up the pavement, and causing damage in front of seaside businesses.

Kalamata: Major destruction from the bad weather

The raging torrent swept away cars, motorcycles, trailers, boats, and small vessels in its path, even tearing down walls.

In one case, authorities had to rescue a woman from the ground floor of her home when the rushing waters tore off the entrance.

The mayor of West Mani, Giorgos Chioureas, communicated with the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vasilis Kikilias, regarding the destruction caused in the area. The necessary procedures are underway to declare the municipality in a state of emergency to facilitate the restoration of the damages.