Recommendations to citizens to be especially careful, taking care to take self-protection measures against risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather phenomena, addressed the General Secretariat of Civil Protection.

In particular, in areas where heavy rains, storms or gale-force winds are predicted, the Public Health Service recommends that citizens:

– Secure objects which, if carried away by severe weather conditions, may cause damage or injury.

– To make sure that the gutters and downspouts of the houses are not blocked and are working properly.

– Avoid crossing torrents and streams, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rainfall, but also for several hours after the end of their event

– To avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather events (risk of lightning strikes).

– Take shelter immediately during a hailstorm. Take shelter in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until they are sure the storm has passed. Hail can be very dangerous for animals too.

– Avoid passing under large trees, under posted signs and in general areas where light objects (e.g. pots, broken glass, etc.) can become detached and fall to the ground (e.g. under balconies ).

– To faithfully follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as Traffic, etc.

In areas where snowfall and frost are expected:

If they are going to travel by car:

– To be informed about the weather and the condition of the road network

– Have anti-skid chains on their vehicle and a full tank of fuel

– To travel, if necessary, preferably during the day preferring the main roads

– To inform their relatives about the route they are going to follow

– Change their travel schedule to avoid peak weather conditions

– To faithfully follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as Traffic, etc.

If moving on foot:

– Dress in several layers of light clothing instead of a heavy suit and wear appropriate shoes to avoid slippery injuries

– Avoid unnecessary movements during the peak of the phenomena (heavy snowfall, freezing conditions)

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has informed the competent government agencies involved in the service, as well as the Regions and municipalities of the country, so that they are on increased civil protection readiness, in order to face directly the effects of the occurrence of intense weather phenomena.

It is noted that according to the Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena (EDEKF) issued today by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), the Emergency Bulletin of Weather Deterioration issued on 24-11-2023/1200 is upgraded according to the latest forecast data to an Emergency Bulletin Dangerous Weather Phenomena, due to the significant and rapid deepening of the barometric low Bettina that formed in the Adriatic and is moving towards our country, resulting in the significant strengthening of winds that will reach 9 and possibly locally 10 Beaufort.

More specifically:

Bad weather is expected over the weekend (25-11-23 and 26-11-23), with the main features being very gusty winds across almost the entire country and locally heavy rain and storms mainly in the west, north and east and south island Hellas.

Snowfall will occur in the continental highlands but also in semi-mountainous areas of Thrace, Macedonia and temporarily in Epirus.

The temperature will drop significantly from Saturday night and especially on Sunday, when it will drop by 8 to 10 degrees in the Ionian and continental regions and by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius in the rest of the regions.

For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and the passability of the road network due to the inflow of flood waters into it or due to snowfall and frost, citizens can visit the EL.AS website. www.astynomia.gr.

For more information and self-protection instructions from severe weather, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat of Civil Protection at civilprotection.gov.gr

Citizens can be updated daily on the development of extraordinary weather phenomena in the regular weather reports of EMY and on the website of EMY at the online address www.emy.gr.