Severe weather hits Agrinio and Preveza: Floods, rescues, and rising danger

Saturday night brought chaos to Preveza and the wider Agrinio area as torrential rains triggered emergencies, landslides, flooding, and incidents requiring urgent rescues. Elderly residents and drivers were trapped in rising waters, prompting the intervention of the Fire Service to save lives.

Storm Impact Across Regions

Heavy rainfall also struck parts of the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, as well as Epirus (Arta) and Aitoloakarnania (Nafpaktia). The Fire Department received numerous calls to assist with water pumping operations and rescue efforts. As the storms gradually moved eastward on Sunday, they were expected to intensify, impacting the islands of the East Aegean, the Cyclades, and potentially the Dodecanese later in the day. Localized rainfall was anticipated in many parts of the country.

Emergency Alerts and Travel Warnings in Agrinio

In response to the extreme weather, the Civil Protection mechanism of Aitoloakarnania’s Regional Unit was placed on high alert on Saturday night following an emergency meeting. At approximately 11:30 PM, an emergency alert was issued through the “112” messaging system in Agrinio. The alert advised residents to limit their travel and strictly follow authorities’ instructions to stay safe during adverse weather conditions.

Authorities remain vigilant as the storms continue to affect the region, urging caution and preparedness as the intense phenomena shift eastward.

“Warning message due to the occurrence of severe weather phenomena (storms) in the city of Agrinio. Limit your movements and follow the instructions of the authorities”said the message.

Large volumes of water have, in the meantime, accumulated in the Big Chora of Agrinio, especially near the building complex of the Papastratos warehouses. A driver was trapped there who called for help and needed the intervention of the fire brigade to free him.

At midnight on Saturday, the stream in Agios Konstantinos overflowed, while the rushing waters immobilized a car and traffic was conducted with great difficulty.

The authorities were also alerted for the long-suffering Strato, as a large volume of water accumulated on a village road.

According to agrinionews, significant problems were recorded on the provincial road Agrinio-Ebesos at the height of Neapolis where an overflowing stream in Triadeika. Two vehicles were trapped and the authorities were mobilized.

According to the local media, there was a slip in the area of Strigania in Mountain Trichonida where there was an operation to rescue occupants in a vehicle. At the same time, due to landslides, the road from Klisorreuma to Angelokastro was closed.

Video of the stream overflowing in Neapoli, Agrinio:

Video from the next road from Agrinio to Proussos:

Floods in Preveza, three elderly people rescued

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Severe storms swept through parts of Greece on Saturday night, causing significant disruptions, especially in the Ancient Nikopolis area of Preveza. Emergency services, including the fire brigade, were deployed to rescue elderly residents from flooded homes and assist those trapped by rising waters.

Rescues in Preveza

Firefighters, with the assistance of a specialized ambulance seat from EKAB, safely evacuated a 97-year-old man and his 94-year-old wife, both with medical issues, from their flooded single-family home. The couple was transported to Preveza Hospital for care. Another rescue involved a 90-year-old woman who was carried to safety and entrusted to her son’s care.

The heavy rain also caused severe flooding near Ancient Nikopolis in the Smirtoula area, leading to the closure of the Ioannina-Preveza highway. In Margarona, Preveza, a person was trapped inside their vehicle due to the high water levels, requiring a prompt response from the fire department, which dispatched three vehicles to extricate the individual.

Additional Flooding and Storms

Heavy rainfall hit Corfu early Saturday evening, causing localized flooding. Intense storms also impacted Arta and Nafpaktia, though no major incidents were reported.

Weather Forecast for Sunday (15/12)

The unsettled weather is expected to persist into Sunday, gradually spreading eastward and affecting much of the country. According to the Athens National Observatory (meteo.gr), localized rainfall and thunderstorms are anticipated in several regions, including the East Aegean islands, the Cyclades, and potentially the Dodecanese later in the day.

Highlights for Sunday:

• Local hailstorms in the East Aegean islands.
• Strong southerly winds reaching 6 Beaufort in the North Aegean, shifting to northwesterly winds later in the evening.
• A noticeable drop in temperatures, especially in the north, with the cooler weather extending to the eastern parts of the country.

Detailed Weather Conditions by Region

Macedonia and Thrace:
Cloudy weather with occasional rain. Winds from northern directions will strengthen later in the day. Temperatures will range from 6–15°C, with lower values in western Macedonia.

Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Sterea, and Western Peloponnese:
Showers and thunderstorms will diminish by the evening, focusing on southern areas. Winds will shift to northwest, strengthening at night. Temperatures will range from 8–18°C, with colder conditions in the interior of Epirus.

Eastern Sterea, Evia, and Eastern Peloponnese:
Partly cloudy with local showers. Winds will turn northwesterly in the afternoon, blowing at 3–5 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 9–18°C.

Cyclades and Crete:
Thunderstorms are expected, accompanied by southerly winds at 5–6 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 13–19°C.

Eastern Aegean Islands and Dodecanese:
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely, with northerly winds strengthening to 6–7 Beaufort later in the day. Temperatures will range from 14–20°C, slightly cooler in the north.

Thessaly:
Partly cloudy with light rain in some areas. Winds will shift to northwesterly at 5–6 Beaufort, strengthening overnight. Temperatures will range from 6–15°C.

Attica:
Cloudy with periods of rain. Southerly winds at 5–6 Beaufort will turn northwesterly in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 9–19°C.

Thessaloniki:
Variable winds will shift north-northwesterly at 4–6 Beaufort, increasing in intensity during the evening. Temperatures will range from 7–14°C.

Greece is bracing for continued heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds into Sunday, with significant temperature drops expected. Authorities advise caution, particularly in regions prone to flooding or severe weather impacts.

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