A local government worker takes stock of the damage caused by heavy flooding in Tzoumerka, in Ioannina, on Monday morning, after storms swept across northwestern Greece over the weekend. Meteorologists warn that more downpours and thunderstorms are on the way and will hit areas still recovering from the previous bout of stormy weather. [InTime News]
A new round of severe weather is expected to sweep across Greece beginning Tuesday, bringing prolonged heavy showers and thunderstorms, according to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service. The warning comes as Corfu and other parts of western Greece are still recovering from recent storms that caused widespread flooding and damage.
Forecasters said strong storms will hit the northern Ionian Sea and coastal areas of Epirus on Tuesday, before expanding Wednesday to the rest of western and northern Greece, as well as to the Peloponnese.
The system is expected to intensify through Thursday and Friday, affecting the Greek capital, but also the Eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese.
Conditions are expected to ease over the weekend.
Authorities urged residents to take precautions, warning that the rainfall will be both intense and long-lasting. Greece’s Civil Protection agency said emergency services and local governments have been placed on heightened alert. The Fire Service has activated its flood-response plan and said units in vulnerable regions stand ready to intervene.
Officials advised people to avoid flooded roads, secure loose objects and follow guidance from local authorities as the storms move across the country.