Storms “sweep” Western Greece, big problems in Zakynthos – Where snow chains are needed

Western Greece was hit by severe weather which today is expected to hit Attica more severely. Most of the problems have been recorded in Zakynthos, while, in several areas, schools will remain closed.

Yesterday, Wednesday a message was sent over the 112 SMS service, about dangerous weather phenomena, to the residents of several regions of the Ionian, Peloponnese and Thessaly.

The endurance of Zakynthos is being tested

According to imerazante.gr, the new severe weather that has been “hitting” the southern Ionian since yesterday caused serious problems on the island. From midday, flooding began to occur in various parts of the island, specifically in Laganas, Kalamaki and Agios Dimitris.

In fact, vehicular traffic had to be stopped for a few hours, until the interventions deemed necessary by the authorities (P.E. Zakynthos, Technical Services, Department of Civil Protection) were completed for the drainage of the water and the removal of transported materials. Also, a small landslide occurred in Argasi and the road to Vassiliko was closed for a while.

According to the head of the Department of Civil Protection, Maria Mouzaki, particular importance has been given to the following points: Provincial Road Zakynthos – Romiriou, Provincial Road Zakynthos – Alykon and Alykana, Tsirogianni stream, Laganas, Agrilia, Pantokratoras, Zakynthos – Keriou national road, Zakynthos – Vassilikos national road.

Also preventive cleanings were carried out on bridges in Pigadakia and Alykana. Problems also appeared in Skoulikados, where an intervention was made in a river chocked with fallen olive trees, while a powerline fell in Aggerikos.

See video of the phenomena 

Major problems are also recorded in Imathia, while municipalities in the prefecture of Pella have been placed in a state of emergency due to widespread disasters, such as in Aridaia.

Where schools remain closed

Schools in Kefallonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, in the Municipality of Argos Mykines and in the Municipality of Ermionida will remain closed today, due to the dangerous weather conditions.

Where snow chains are needed

The snowfall that started on Wednesday night in many areas of Western Macedonia is causing difficulties in the movement of vehicles on the national and provincial road networks.

According to police, chains or snow tires are needed in Grevena, on the Egnatia Road, from the 121st km (Panagias junction) to the 150th km (Venetico Junction), on the Grevena – Trikala National Road, from the 5th km to the 30th km, on the Grevenon – Samarina provincial road, from the 5th km to the 54th km, on the Grevenon – C/K Vasilitsa provincial road, from the 5th km to the 45th km and on the Grevenon – Perivoliou – Avdellas provincial road, from the 5th km to the 45th km

Where trucks are prohibited

Also, from 03:22 on Thursday (26-01-2023) a temporary ban on the traffic of all trucks over 3.5 tons comes into force in both traffic streams on Egnatia Odos, from the 121st km. (A/K Panagias) up to the 150th km (Venetic Junction) and on the Grevena – Trikala National Highway, from the 5th km to the 30th km.

Chains are required in Kastoria, on the Kastoria – Ioannina Provincial Road (via Kotyli), from the 32nd km to the 46th km on the Kastoria – Florina Provincial Road (via Vitsi), from the 18th km to the 28th km and on the Kastoria Provincial Road – Amyntaio (via Kleisoura), from the 26th km to the 35th km.

Chains are needed on the Florina – Krystallopigi Border Station National Road (via Vigla), from the 6th km to the 28th km, on the Old Florina – Edessa National Road (via Kelli), from the 22nd km to the 35th km, on the Provincial Road Aetou – Nymphaeum, from the 4th km to the 9th km and on the Amyntaio – Kastoria Provincial Road (via Sklithros), from the 17th km to the 31st km.

In the municipality of Florina, all level school units will begin operation at 9 am.

Meteo: The weather forecast for today Thursday

We will have heavy rains and storms today in almost the entire country, according to Meteo. Local hailstorms. Heavy snowfall in the continental mountains and semi-mountainous parts of Central and Northern Greece. Locally gale force winds on the seas. Drop in temperature on continents.

More specifically, on Thursday January 26, 2023, heavy rains and storms are expected in the Ionian Islands and the western mainland, which will locally be accompanied by increased electrical activity and hail. The strong phenomena will progressively move further east and will affect the whole of the country

hour. The phenomena will be less in Crete and until late afternoon in Thrace. Heavy snowfalls will occur in the continental highlands as well as in semi-mountainous areas of Northwest, Central and Northern Greece (indicative altitudes above 600 meters and above 300-400 meters in Macedonia). Snowfall is expected in cities of Western Macedonia.

The temperature will vary in Western Macedonia from -3 to 3 degrees, in the rest of Northern Greece from -1 to 8, in Epirus from 1 to 11 degrees, in Thessaly from 2 to 10, in Western and Southern Peloponnese from 6 to 14 degrees, in the rest of the mainland from 4 to 12, in the Ionian Islands from 9 to 14 degrees, in the North Aegean islands from 5 to 12 and in the other island parts of the Aegean and in Crete from 9 to 17-18 degrees Celsius.

In the Northern Aegean, northeasterly winds will blow with intensities of 6-7 Beaufort, with progressive strengthening locally to 8 Beaufort, and in the rest of the Aegean, southeasterly winds with 7-8 Beaufort and possibly temporarily locally 9 Beaufort.

The weather in Attica and Thessaloniki

In Attica we expect locally strong rains and storms, mainly in the afternoon hours. Winds will initially blow from the northeast with intensities of 3-4 Beaufort and quickly southeast with intensities up to 6 Beaufort. The temperature will range from 7 to 12-13 degrees.

In Thessaloniki we expect rain and possibly storms. Temporary snowfalls will occur in mountainous and semi-mountainous sections. The winds will blow from eastern directions with intensities of 3-5 Beaufort and from the afternoon northerly with the same intensities. The temperature will range from 3 to 7 degrees.