Storm Byron has caused severe flooding, power cuts and major disruption across Greece, forcing all public and private schools in Attica to close on Friday, December 5.
The storm hit Athens on Thursday evening, inundating streets, cutting traffic lights and blocking key roads, with firefighters assisting stranded residents in Elefsina, Aspropyrgos and Piraeus. Western Attica recorded the heaviest rainfall.
Having already impacted Rhodes, Zakynthos, Laconia, Crete, Kefalonia, Central Macedonia, Thessaly and Evia, the storm brought landslides, overflowing rivers and gridlock before moving into Attica.
Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias ordered school closures “to ensure student safety,” while Athens Mayor Haris Doukas said municipal services were on high alert.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis urged citizens to take care when travelling.
Storm Byron is expected to continue into Saturday, December 6, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and hail forecast for the Peloponnese, the Cyclades, the Eastern Aegean islands and Crete. Red code warnings remain in place for multiple regions.
Kefalogiannis said authorities were fully prepared and urged the public to monitor updates via the 112 emergency service. The Interior Ministry has also permitted public employees to take justified leave on Friday due to the storm.
Source: tovima.com
