Severe Weather Leaves Devastation Across Greece: Floods, Fatalities, and Infrastructure Collapse

As heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding continue to batter Greece, the toll on infrastructure, roads, and schools is mounting—especially in western Greece and the eastern Aegean. Forecasters warn that today will bring more downpours, raising the risk of further flooding and landslides.

Tragedy in Komotini: Driver Swept Away After Ignoring Warnings

A tragic incident unfolded in Komotini yesterday when a motorist broke through a police barricade at a closed Irish crossing and was swept away by the swollen Vozvozi River. Despite a rapid response from 13 firefighters, the driver was found trapped in his vehicle near 8 pm. Rescue efforts were hampered by the inaccessible location, and his death was confirmed hours later. Recovery operations are set to resume today as waters recede.

Manolis Tapatzas, Vice-Regional Governor of Rodopi, called the incident “another tragic loss,” emphasizing that the crossing had been closed since early afternoon. This is the second such tragedy in the area in recent days.

School Closures and Water Shortages in Pyrgos

The mayor of Pyrgos, Stathis Kannis, ordered all primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, and daycare centers to remain closed today due to dangerous weather and infrastructure damage. Meanwhile, a landslide and bridge collapse on the Kladeos tributary severed the main water pipeline, cutting off supply to Pyrgos and Ancient Olympia. The mayor plans to declare a state of emergency as the Alpheus River threatens to overflow.

Flooded Roads Paralyze Samothrace and Trifyllia

In Samothrace, relentless rain has made many roads and crossings impassable, forcing the closure of the Platia area. Trifyllia is also grappling with severe road damage, prompting authorities to issue a 112 alert urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The Pyrgos-Kyparissia national road is closed near Kalou Nero, and the Kyparissia-Filiatra route is blocked by flooding near Terpsithea.

Meteorologists Warn of More “Dangerous” Rain

Meteorologist George Tsatrafyllas cautions that the coming days will bring repeated rainstorms, high humidity, and unseasonably warm temperatures—along with African dust. With soils already saturated, especially in western Greece and the eastern Aegean, further downpours could trigger flash floods and landslides. Andritsaina in Ilia recorded a staggering 143 mm of rain by Thursday afternoon.

Today’s Forecast: Storms, Hail, and High Winds

Expect heavy rain and thunderstorms in the East Aegean and Dodecanese early today, improving later. Western Greece will see scattered showers, intensifying by noon and spreading east to the Peloponnese and northern regions. Hail is likely in Corfu, northwestern Greece, and the eastern Aegean. Mountainous areas may see snow at higher elevations, while African dust will reduce visibility at times.

Temperatures will range from -2°C in Western Macedonia to 23°C in Crete. Strong southerly winds (up to 6 Beaufort) will sweep the Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Athens and Thessaloniki: Cloudy with Light Showers

Athens will start with light cloud cover, increasing to scattered showers by noon. Winds will be southeast at 3-5 Beaufort, with temperatures between 10-16°C. Thessaloniki will also see increasing clouds and occasional showers, with light winds and temperatures from 7-13°C.

Weekend Outlook: More Rain, High Winds, and Unseasonable Warmth

Saturday will bring isolated thunderstorms to the Ionian Sea, Epirus, and western Sterea, with snow in northern and western mountains. Sunday’s forecast includes rain and thunderstorms in the west and eastern Aegean, and strong northwest winds (up to 7 Beaufort) in the south. Temperatures will remain unusually high for February, peaking at 18-21°C in many areas.

Authorities urge residents to stay alert, avoid flooded areas, and follow official updates as the severe weather continues.