Severe weather

The severe weather system “Byron” is sweeping across the country, with significant deterioration beginning today, Thursday.In nine regions of Greece — including Attica — the civil protection alert level has been raised to heightened readiness.The storm has already caused problems in western regions. A 112 emergency alert was issued for Laconia, while Zakynthos is experiencing flooding.According to imerazante, heavy rainfall in Alykes, Zakynthos has resulted in flooding of roads and fields. Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary movement unless it is an emergency.On the Zakynthos–Alykes Provincial Road, the road has been closed from Mantolato downward due to problems, while issues have also occurred on the provincial road near the village of Koukesi. Small landslides were also reported in Lithakia.Conditions are dire in the village of Platanos in Gytheio, an area that received a 112 alert on Thursday afternoon.Homes, farmlands, cars, livestock, and agricultural machinery have been covered by massive volumes of water due to the storm.Residents speak of a “biblical disaster,” as the entire settlement was submerged within hours, forcing most people to seek refuge on the upper floors of their homes.They describe ground floors flooded up to the ceiling, destroyed crops, vehicles and machinery washed away by the rushing water, and even animals lost in the night amid the torrent of mud and debris.Most residents — many of them elderly — are waiting for rescuers to reach them by boat, as many are without electricity, water, or communication. The village is essentially cut off.Strong rains and thunderstorms are forecast today, Thursday (04-12-2025), continuing until the early hours of Saturday (06-12-2025) in most regions of eastern and southern Greece, according to EMY’s updated emergency bulletin.Rainfall will be not only intense but long-lasting. In many areas, storms will be severe and accompanied by hail and very strong winds at times.

1. Today, Thursday (04-12-25), locally strong rains and thunderstorms are expected in:
a. Ionian Islands (mainly Kefalonia and Zakynthos), until midday
b. Central Macedonia (mainly Halkidiki, Pieria, Imathia)
c. Thessaly (especially eastern parts) and the Sporades
d. Eastern Central Greece (including Attica, mainly the southern and eastern parts)
e. Evia (mainly southern sections)
f. Peloponnese (mainly southern and eastern areas)
g. Cyclades
h. Crete (mainly southern areas)
i. Eastern Aegean islands (from Chios and southwards) and the Dodecanese.

Severe, long-lasting thunderstorms are expected in the coming hours, with the storm impacting Attica starting at midday. EMY has issued an emergency bulletin, and authorities activated the 112 alert earlier today in Mani to inform residents of potential danger.The weather system “BYRON” is already affecting 60% of Greece, bringing strong rains and thunderstorms to many regions.According to meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias, today will see relatively mild but continuous rainfall. However, from the afternoon — and especially on Friday — the weather is expected to worsen significantly, with intense phenomena capable of causing serious problems.

Two main danger zones have been identified:

First zone: Halkidiki, Imathia, Pieria, Thessaloniki, Thessaly, Sporades, Eastern Aegean, Dodecanese, Attica, Boeotia.
Second zone: Western and southern Peloponnese, Cyclades, southern Crete.

Particular caution is advised in Attica, where heavy rainfall is expected from Thursday night until Friday morning, mainly in the western and southern suburbs.

Which schools will close on Friday due to the severe weather

Rhodes

The Municipality of Rhodes has decided to suspend the operation of all schools on Friday (5/12) due to the expected impact of storm “BYRON” on the island.All educational units of all levels, sports facilities, preschools, special schools, and creative activity centers will remain closed for public safety.

Santorini (Thira)

The Municipality of Thira also announced the suspension of all school operations on Friday, December 5, as a preventive safety measure due to severe weather conditions.

Tilos (5/12)

All primary and secondary schools on Tilos will remain closed on Friday due to the expected dangerous weather.

Symi (5/12)

The Municipality of Symi has ordered the preventive closure of all schools on Friday, December 5, because of the upcoming severe weather in the Dodecanese.

Kastellorizo (5/12)

Schools of all levels in Kastellorizo will remain closed on Friday for the safety of students and teachers.
Mayor Nikos Asvestis also urges residents and fishermen to limit travel as much as possible due to the extreme conditions.