A sharp deterioration in weather conditions hit several regions of Greece on Friday, putting cities and coastal areas under pressure with storms, strong winds, hail and intense rainfall. In Athens, the change in atmospheric conditions came quickly, while the preliminary toll points to unusual electrical activity, with more than 100,000 strikes recorded in recent hours.
Athens hit by torrential rain and sudden darkening
On Friday afternoon, the Greek capital faced a sudden worsening of the weather. Dense, dark clouds covered the sky, while shortly before 19:00 local time, heavy rain began, accompanied by winds and intense electrical activity.
The phenomenon was not limited to Athens alone. Unstable weather affected a number of areas across the country, causing traffic problems and concern for residents in several regions.
More than 100,000 lightning strikes and damage in several areas
According to meteorological data, more than 100,000 lightning strikes were recorded on land and at sea, a level of activity considered unusual for this period.
Reports from various areas speak of flooded roads, damage to buildings, fallen trees and disruptions to movement. In Fthiotida, the storm caused considerable damage, while in Makrakomi the wind tore off the metal roof of a building belonging to the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives and threw it about 100 meters away.
Hail, a tornado near the coast and rare phenomena at sea
In Larisa and the surrounding areas, the sky darkened with dense cloud masses, while lightning crossed the Thessalian plain. Hail and crop damage were also reported in some locations.
Strong storms were also reported in Agrinio, Zakynthos, Volos, Trikala, Drama and Halkidiki. In the latter, residents were alarmed by the appearance of a tornado near the coast of Psaroudias.
Another unusual phenomenon was observed in the sea between Sithonia and Mount Athos, where a water column appeared linking the storm cloud to the sea surface.
112 alert and travel warnings
Because of the risk from intense rainfall and storms, the Greek authorities activated the 112 emergency system. Residents in several areas received notifications calling for increased caution while traveling.
The warnings, according to the authorities, mainly affected Larisa, Fthiotida, central and northern Evia, Skyros, Magnesia and the Sporades. The official message asked citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the phenomena and to beware of flash flooding and objects that could be blown down by the wind.
Unstable weather expected to last until Saturday morning
According to the Greek National Meteorological Service, unstable conditions are expected to continue into the early hours of Saturday. The areas considered most exposed are the coastal parts of Magnesia, Evia, the Sporades, Larisa, Halkidiki and some areas of Attica.
Meteorologists are warning of strong winds, hail and local flash flooding, while a gradual improvement in the weather is expected to begin late Friday evening and continue through Saturday.
From Sunday, according to meteorological forecasts, Greece is expected to return to more typical summer conditions, with temperatures rising after this severe episode of bad weather.