A severe storm system known as Byron brought extreme rainfall and severe flooding to southern and eastern Greece, according to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS).
The country issued a “Red Code Weather Emergency” from Wednesday, December 3 through to Saturday, December 6, as nine of the nation’s regions were placed on maximum alert.
The storm hit Athens on Thursday evening, inundating streets, cutting traffic lights and blocking key roads. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis urged citizens to take care when traveling.
Footage released by the Civil Protection of the Municipality of Sparta shows a flooded road in a rural area of Sparti in southern Greece, which was closed until further notice.
The HNMS forecast that Byron would continue to cause severe weather conditions on Friday, both in the east and center of the country.
“It is noted that the rainfall, in addition to being very intense, will also be of long duration. The phenomena in many areas will be strong and will be accompanied by local hail and at times by very strong winds,” it said.
The effects of the storm were expected to weaken on Saturday. Credit: Civil Protection of the Municipality of Sparta via Storyful