Severe Weather Hits Attica: “112” Alert for Northern Greece Amidst 15,000 Lightning Strikes

Storm Atena struck Attica with heavy rainfall beginning in the western regions and gradually spreading across the area, leading to traffic disruptions and power outages in various neighborhoods, including Psychiko, Filothei, Polygon, Lamprini, and Kypseli.

By 17:30, the storm had intensified, causing severe flooding in central Athens. Streets in areas such as Ampelokipi, Kerameikos, and Kypseli were inundated, and movement around the Megaro Mousikis was particularly challenging due to the heavy rain. Streets in Kolonaki also turned into streams, sweeping motorbikes from sidewalks.

Flooding extended to Evia as well, with significant issues reported in areas like Agioi Apostoloi in southern Evia and central and northern parts of the island. The coastal area in front of the port in Agioi Apostoloi was particularly affected, with considerable quantities of water hitting towns such as Kymi, Zarakes, Kriezas, Dystos, Orologio, Agia Anna, Kipoi, and Konistra.

An emergency alert from “112” was issued just after 17:00 for residents of Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, Thasos, Samothrace, Lemnos, and Agios Efstratios, advising them of dangerous weather conditions expected to impact the region from early Tuesday evening.

Since the morning, over 15,000 lightning strikes (15,683) have been recorded by the National Observatory stations.

A new weather warning was issued by the Hellenic Meteorological Service (EMY) regarding Storm Atena, which, accompanied by a low-pressure system in the Ionian, is moving eastward and affecting central and northern Greece, as well as the northern and eastern Aegean islands, with heavy rain and storms expected until Wednesday afternoon. The storm will be accompanied by frequent lightning, hail showers, and strong winds.

Specifically:

Heavy rain and storms are expected in western Macedonia, Thessaly, the Sporades, and northern Evia until Tuesday night.
Central and eastern Macedonia will experience intense weather from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday noon.
The storm will impact Thrace and the northern and eastern Aegean islands from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.

In response, the opening ceremonies for schools in Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, Samothrace, Thasos, Lemnos, and Agios Efstratios scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, have been postponed to Thursday, September 12. The decision was made to ensure the safety of students and staff due to the anticipated severe weather conditions.

Local authorities in Alexandroupolis, Soufli, and Lemnos have all announced similar postponements, to safeguard the public during the extreme weather.

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Προειδοποιητικό μήνυμα για επικίνδυνα καιρικά φαινόμενα στην περιοχή σας, από τις πρώτες βραδινές ώρες σήμερα 10/09/2024 έως τις προμεσημβρινές ώρες αύριο…

— 112 Greece (@112Greece) September 10, 2024