Holidaymakers from Britain are dealing with the aftermath of severe weather that caused significant damage to a popular destination, resulting in flooded houses and cars floating in water. Images capturing the chaos in Greece have circulated on social media as locals rush to salvage belongings before the next round of storms hits.
In Corfu, a British family found themselves stranded when their car became stuck on a steep dirt road until local emergency services came to their rescue. Meanwhile, residents in Oiniades and Aitoliko in Aitoloakarnania have been trapped in their homes due to heavy flooding. In Nechori, landslides have occurred, rendering road networks unusable and complicating rescue operations.
Due to the brutal storms, schools in Zakynthos and Rhodes were forced to close to ensure the safety of students and staff. In Athens, workers and schoolchildren were granted an unexpected long weekend to celebrate the city’s patron saint’s annual feast, as authorities advised people to stay indoors during the inclement weather.
Greece is preparing for another 48 hours of harsh weather, with hailstorms and heavy rain forecasted to continue until Friday morning local time. Meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafilias warned that severe thunderstorms, gale-force winds, and even snow on Mount Kaimaktsalan could be expected, prompting locals and tourists in the storm’s path to exercise caution.
Tsatrafilias further stated that October would commence with strong storms, powerful winds, falling temperatures, and potential snowfall. Western and northern Greece, as well as the eastern Aegean regions, are anticipated to experience adverse weather conditions, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds predicted. Additionally, the Kaimaktsalan ski resort may see light snowfall.
Parts of Greece already hit by flash floods are now bracing for snow in Western Macedonia, while Thrace, the Aegean, and Crete are expected to face heavy rainfall and storms. Beyond Greece, Italy and Spain have also suffered from severe Mediterranean storms in recent days.
In Ibiza, a red alert was issued due to the passing of Storm Gabrielle, leading to the deployment of troops and rescue operations to assist 148 individuals rescued from flooded properties and vehicles.