A rapid change in the weather scene, with the main characteristics being rains and storms, combined with lightning strikes in many areas of the country. Floods have been recorded in the area of ​​Anixis and Agios Stefanos, while lightning fires broke out earlier in Dionysos, Agios Stefanos, Stamata, Anixis and Marathona, signaling an alarm to the Fire Department.

At this time, a fire is ongoing in Villas in a grassy area. 20 firefighters with 7 vehicles and 2 helicopters are operating at the scene.

Citizens in Attica received a warning message from “112” about dangerous weather phenomena at noon, asking them to limit their movements and follow the instructions of the authorities. As the message stated, according to the National Meteorological Service, storms are expected from noon until the early evening hours. Civil Protection draws the attention of citizens regarding lightning, on land and at sea.

In her area Halkidiki, lightning activity was intense. In the morning, in fact, an impressive hydrofoil was recorded on the beach of Skarti.

Detailed weather forecast

According to the updated Emergency Deterioration of Weather Bulletin (EDEK) issued today, Thursday 04 July 2024 by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), although there are no substantial differences from the original bulletin, it is pointed out that the storms at the local level will have high speed, great frequency of lightning and hail without necessarily being accompanied by large amounts of rain.

In more detail, heavy rains and storms today Thursday 04/07/24 will affect:

a. Eastern Macedonia, Thrace and areas of central Macedonia (mainly prefectures of Thessaloniki – Halkidiki) as well as the islands of the northeastern Aegean until the early afternoon.

b. Thessaly and the Sporades until the afternoon.

c. Central and eastern Sterea (including Attica), eastern Peloponnese and Evia until late afternoon. It is pointed out that at the local level in Attica the rapidity of the phenomena will be high, with a high frequency of lightning.

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.

Recommendations of Civil Protection

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection, has informed the competent government agencies involved, 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.

At the same time, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection recommends that citizens be particularly careful, taking measures to protect themselves from risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather phenomena.

In particular, in areas where heavy rainfall, storms or gale-force winds are expected to occur:

  • To secure objects which, if carried away by severe weather conditions, may cause damage or injury.
  • 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
  • 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 with intense lightning activity:

If you are at home

  • Do not hold electrical appliances or the telephone as lightning can pass through the wires. Disconnect the TV sets from the antenna and the power supply.
  • Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.
  • If you are in the car
  • Park it on the side of the road and away from trees that might fall on it.
  • Stay inside and turn on your stop warning lights (emergency lights) until the storm clears.
  • Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
  • Avoid flooded roads.
  • If you are outdoors
  • Take refuge in a building or car or sit on the ground immediately without lying down.
  • Take cover under solid branches of low trees if you are in the woods.
  • Never take shelter under a tall tree in an open area.
  • Avoid low-lying lands for the risk of flooding.
  • Do not stand next to utility poles, power lines, telephone lines and fences.
  • Do not approach metal objects (eg cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
  • Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
  • If you are in the sea, get out immediately.
  • If you’re isolated on a flat surface and feel your hair stand on end (signaling that lightning is about to strike), sit deep with your head between your legs (to minimize your body surface area and contact with the ground ) by throwing the metal objects you have on you.

For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and the passability of the road network due to the inflow of flood waters, 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

Photos of the moment a drone “locks” a fire from dry lightning in Villas

In a post on X, the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection refers to the fires that the fire brigades have faced due to lightning strikes in Attica. Vassilis Kikilias. Mr. Kikilias has posted on X a photo of a Fire Brigade drone locates a fire source from dry lightning (without rain) in a forest area in Vilia Attica.

Mr. Kikilias states in detail in his post:

“Drone of the Fire Department detects a fire from dry lightning (without rain) in a forest area in Vilia Attica. Immediately 2 helicopters went to the scene and made drops. Only in Attica, our firefighters have dealt with fires caused by lightning in Dionysos, Rafina, Vravrona, Rema Chalandriou and throughout the mountainous mass of Parnitha”.