According to the updated Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena (EDEKF) issued today Sunday 01 December 2024 by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), the bad weather system named BORA will continue to bring showers and thunderstorms to many parts of the country that will be strong in places and will persist until the morning hours of Tuesday (3-12-24). At the same time, very strong and locally stormy winds will prevail on Sunday, which will gradually weaken, while the snowfall in the central and northern continental regions will be limited to the mountains.

In more detail:

Heavy rains and storms will occur:

a. In central Macedonia until Sunday evening (1-12-24). It is pointed out that the phenomena in the prefectures of Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Pieria, Imathia will be particularly intense from time to time.

b. In Thessaly until the evening hours of Monday (2-12-24). It is pointed out that until the evening of Sunday (1-12-24) the phenomena in the prefectures of Magnesia and Larissa will be particularly intense from time to time.

c. On the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean until the morning hours of Monday (2-12-24).

d. In the Sporades and the Dodecanese from time to time until the morning hours of Tuesday (3-12-24).

e. In eastern Macedonia and Thrace until Sunday evening (1-12-24).

f. In the western and southern Peloponnese until noon on Monday (2-12-24).

g. In the Cyclades from the midday hours of Monday (2-12-24) to the early morning hours of Tuesday (3-12-24).

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.

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 the 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.

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 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 rather than a heavy garment and wear appropriate footwear to avoid slippery injuries
  • To avoid unnecessary movements during the peak of the phenomena (heavy snowfall, freezing conditions)

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.