According to the update, for today Saturday heavy rains and isolated storms are forecast to hit the Cyclades, the islands of the eastern Aegean, Crete (mainly the north) and from the afternoon the Dodecanese.
Snowfall will occur in the highlands of Evia, the islands of the eastern Aegean, the northern Cyclades and Crete. Gusty northeast winds 8 local 9 Beaufort will blow in the Aegean with weakening from the evening.
Her Sunday in the east, temporarily increased clouds with local rains are expected in eastern Thessaly, eastern Sterea, Evia and the Aegean, where isolated storms will occur in the southeast until the morning hours. Weak snowfalls will occur in the mountains of Crete. In the rest of the country, generally clear weather with a few temporary local clouds.
Winds to the west will be variable 3 to 4 Beaufort. In the east it will blow from north directions 5 to 7 and in the Aegean in the morning hours local 8 Beaufort, with gradual weakening from noon. The temperature will not change significantly and will reach 08 to 11 degrees on the mainland, 13 to 15 degrees in the Ionian and Dodecanese and 11 to 13 degrees Celsius in the rest of the island country. In the continental areas there will be some frost in the morning hours.
Attica is also in white
The north of Attica has been dressed in white, as it snowed in Hippocrates. Due to the snowfall, traffic has been suspended on Parnithos Avenue, from the height of the cable car and on the Pentelis – Neas Makris ring road, from military hospital 414 to Agios Petros.
In the mountains of the prefecture of Attica, traffic has been interrupted in places, such as on Parnithos Avenue from the height of the cable car, but also on the Pentelis-Neas Makris ring road from the height of “414” to Agios Petros.
Shortly after 9 am, however, it was decided to lift the traffic ban for trucks over 3.5 tons on the Athens-Lamia exit stream that had been decided last night due to the bad weather.
Villages of Evia have already “dressed” in…white. Shortly after 12 midnight on Friday, heavy snowfall began in Seta Evia. This is the mountain village of the Municipality of Eretria where the snow first “falls” every winter, according to evima.gr.
Locations in the mountains of Lesvos also wore white. According to information, it snowed in Agra, Filia, Skalochori and also in other places.
LIVE the course of phenomena
The Greek Police proceeded to lift the traffic ban on vehicles over 3.5 tons that had been imposed since last night due to the adverse weather conditions. However, the ban on the traffic of the above vehicles for the time periods announced by ELAS as part of the road measures for the festive season is normally valid.
A sailing ban is in effect from the port of Lavrio, while passengers should contact the local port authorities.
Evia was once again in the eye of the storm. The residents of Evia received a message from 112 yesterday afternoon to limit their movements, while the authorities are on alert due to the worsening of the weather.
No problems are found in Thessaloniki. In fact, the restrictions on the traffic of heavy vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3.5 tons, in the direction of Thessaloniki to Athens on the road axis of the PATHE Motorway, from the Malgaron Toll Road to the Kleidi Interchange, which had been put into force in view of occurrence of adverse weather phenomena, according to the Decision of the Traffic Directorate of Thessaloniki.
The obligation to equip cars of all categories with anti-skid chains or other similar anti-skid means is still valid, as long as they do not have special tires. Drivers of all vehicles must follow the instructions of the traffic controllers to avoid inconvenience and traffic problems.
Mandatory supply of anti-slip chains in Attica
Due to the ongoing bad weather in areas of the territory, in order to avoid causing traffic problems, by the competent Services of the Greek Police, decisions are being implemented mandating the provision of vehicles with anti-skid chains or other similar anti-skid means.
It is recalled that, apart from the road network of Attica, the obligation to supply anti-skid chains or other similar anti-skid means applies until now to:
Central Greece, in the entire road network of Boeotia, Evia, Evrytania, Fthiotida and Fokida,
Thessaly, on the entire road network of Larissa, Magnesia, Trikala and Karditsa,
Western Macedonia, in the entire road network of Grevena, Kastoria, Kozani and Florina,
Central Macedonia, in the entire road network of Halkidiki, Imathia and Pella, as well as for the mountainous and semi-mountainous road network of Pieria.
The above traffic arrangements may be extended or reduced beyond the specified hours, as long as the traffic conditions dictate it. In this context, citizens and especially drivers, who live or are going to move to areas where the weather phenomena are expected to extend/intensify, are reminded to be particularly careful when traveling, to be equipped with anti-skid chains and in any case to they are informed about the weather and the condition of the road network and to faithfully follow the instructions of the regulators.
New instructions from Civil Protection to citizens regarding bad weather
Recommendations are again addressed by Civil Protection to the citizens in order to be particularly careful, taking care to take self-protection measures against risks arising from the manifestation of intense weather phenomena.
The general secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection, has informed the competent government agencies involved in the service, 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.
In particular, in areas where heavy rains, storms or gale-force winds are predicted, the Public Health Service recommends to citizens:
* To secure objects which, if carried away by severe weather conditions, may cause damage or injury.
* To 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
* To 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 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 anti-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 suit and wear appropriate shoes to avoid slippery injuries
* Avoid unnecessary movements during the peak of the phenomena (heavy snowfall, freezing conditions)
According to the Updated Emergency Deterioration of Weather Bulletin (EDEK) issued today, Saturday 28 December 2024 by the National Meteorological Service (NMS), heavy rains and isolated storms are forecast to hit the Cyclades, the islands of the eastern Aegean, and in some places Crete (mainly the north) and from the afternoon the Dodecanese.
Snowfall will occur in the highlands of Evia, the islands of the eastern Aegean, the northern Cyclades and Crete.
Gusty northeast winds 8 local 9 Beaufort will blow in the Aegean with weakening from the evening.
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.
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 Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection at civilprotection.gov.gr
Weather: What is the “Aegean effect snow” mechanism that brings snow to the continents as well
The last weekend of 2024 will be marked by cold and selective snowfall, says meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafillias in his latest post.
As he notes: Specifically from tonight the “Aegean effect snow” mechanism will be activated according to which, when the Ukrainian cold mass meets the water vapor over the Aegean, it will create snow-bearing clouds which strong north-east winds will push to the eastern continent country where it will snow.
Nea Odos: “Have chains and enough fuel”
An announcement for travelers was issued by Kentriksi and Nea Odos regarding the bad weather and the worsening of the phenomena expected from Saturday (28/12), with snow in Attica as well.
Nea Odos emphasizes that it has taken all the necessary measures to manage the phenomena. It recommends the following to drivers who are going to travel:
• To be informed before starting their journey about the weather and traffic conditions, by calling the company’s Telephone Customer Service. Those drivers interested in the ATHE highway section (Metamorfosi Attikis – Skarfeia Fthiotidas) can call 22950 26900. Those drivers interested in the Ionian Road (Antirrio – Ioannina) can call 2641 306 306 (everyday and Saturday from 08: 00 to 20:00 and Sunday 10:00 to 18:00).
• If necessary, change their schedule to avoid peak weather conditions.
• Have anti-skid chains on their vehicle and know how to install them.
• Have a sufficient amount of fuel in their vehicle’s tank.
• To faithfully follow the instructions of the Traffic.
• In case of emergency call 1075.
Regarding anti-slip chains, we remind you that:
• Chains are placed on the drive wheels.
• The speed with the use of anti-skid chains must not exceed 30 km/h.
• Chains are correctly positioned when pointing and taut.
• We point out that driving and stopping in the Emergency Lane (LEA) is dangerous for the driver and his vehicle. The LEA should only be used in emergency situations.
#Storms #snow #winds #continue
