The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued an Extraordinary Warning for the severe weather system named Storm “Adel,” which is beginning to impact a large part of Greece starting today, Wednesday, November 26.
The storm is forecast to bring intense rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and gale-force winds, with phenomena expected to peak on Thursday and Friday.
Due to the worsening weather conditions, all schools and municipal kindergartens in Central and Southern Corfu will be closed today following decisions by local authorities. The University of Corfu will also remain closed.
Storm “Adel”: Intensification on Wednesday
Intense rainfall and thunderstorms already began on Tuesday across Western and Northwestern Greece. EMY warns that these phenomena will intensify further today as Storm “Adel” expands eastward.
According to meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas:
Morning to Noon: Strong thunderstorms are expected in Corfu, the Diapontia Islands, Paxos, and Epirus.
Afternoon: Severe weather will strike Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Aetolia-Acarnania, and the Western and Southern Peloponnese.
Night: Strong thunderstorms are also forecasted for Eastern Macedonia. Kolydas emphasizes that Wednesday is the transitional stage before the storm’s peak intensity.
Flood risk and expected rainfall
Meteorologist Yiannis Kallianos notes that “Adel” will affect almost the entire country, particularly the Ionian Sea, Epirus, Western and Southern Peloponnese, Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and the Eastern Aegean.
Attica and Thessaloniki: Both regions will experience intermittent thunderstorms through Saturday.
Rainfall Estimates: Kallianos estimates rainfall amounts of 70–90 mm for many affected areas, potentially reaching 100–120 mm in the hardest-hit locations.
Warning: There is a high probability of localized flooding, especially in the Ionian Islands, Western Greece, and parts of Eastern Macedonia–Thrace.
Peak of the storm on Thursday
Thursday is expected to be the most challenging day. Storm “Adel” will cause widespread thunderstorms, heavy downpours, localized hail, and very strong southerly winds.
Heaviest Impact Areas: Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western and Central Sterea, Western and Southern Peloponnese, Central and Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, the Eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, and Crete.
Winds: Southerly winds will blow at 4–6 Beaufort, gradually reaching 7 Beaufort in the Aegean, and potentially 8 Beaufort in the Thracian Sea early in the morning.