Due to the expected severe weather, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection is issuing recommendations to citizens, calling on them to be particularly careful and take self-protection measures. As announced by the Fire Service, an operational plan is being implemented to address risks from flooding and its accompanying phenomena, while Fire Services in areas where these phenomena are expected to occur have been placed on high alert and further escalation, if required, to immediately address any problems from intense weather phenomena.
Civil Protection: Recommendations in view of severe weather
At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has informed the competent state services involved, as well as the country’s regions and municipalities, to remain on increased civil protection alert to immediately address the impacts from intense weather phenomena.
Specifically, in areas where intense rainfall, storms or strong winds are forecast, the General Secretariat recommends that citizens:
• Secure objects that, if carried away by intense weather phenomena, could cause damage or injuries.
• Ensure that gutters and drains of residences are not blocked and function normally.
• Avoid crossing torrents and streams, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rainfall, as well as for several hours after their occurrence. Particular attention is needed at road network points where the road crosses torrents without bridges.
• Avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during intense weather phenomena (risk from lightning strikes).
• Take immediate shelter during hailstorms. Seek refuge in a building or car and do not leave the safe space until certain the storm has passed. Hailstorms can be very dangerous for animals too.
• Avoid passing under large trees, hanging signs and generally areas where light objects (e.g. flowerpots, broken glass, etc.) may detach and fall to the ground (e.g. under balconies).
• Faithfully follow instructions from local authorities such as Traffic Police, etc.
In areas experiencing intense lightning activity:
If you are at home
• Do not handle electrical devices or telephones as lightning can pass through cables. Disconnect television sets from antennas and electrical power supply.
• Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good electrical conductors.
If you are in a car
• Pull over to the roadside away from trees that might fall on it.
• Stay inside and turn on hazard lights until the storm subsides.
• Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
• Avoid flooded roads.
If you are outdoors
• Seek shelter in a building or car, otherwise sit immediately on the ground without lying down.
• Take shelter under dense branches of low trees if you are in a forest.
• Never shelter under a tall tree in open space.
• Avoid low-lying areas due to flood risk.
• Do not stand near poles, power transmission lines, telephone lines and fences.
• Do not approach metal objects (e.g. cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
• Move away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
• If you are in the sea, get out immediately.
• If you are isolated on flat terrain and feel your hair rising (indicating lightning is about to strike), crouch deeply with your head between your legs (to minimize your body surface and contact with the ground) while discarding any metal objects you have on you.
It is noted that according to the Emergency Weather Deterioration Bulletin issued today by the National Meteorological Service, temporary weather deterioration in our country is forecast for tomorrow Thursday (29-01-2026) with heavy rain, storms and possibly local hailstorms, mainly in western Greece and the eastern island regions.
Citizens can stay informed daily about extreme weather developments through regular weather bulletins from the National Meteorological Service and on the website www.emy.gr, (www.oldportal.emy.gr)
For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and road network accessibility due to floodwater inflow or due to snowfall and frost, citizens can visit the Hellenic Police website www.astynomia.gr.
For more information and self-protection guidelines from severe weather phenomena, citizens can visit the General Secretariat for Civil Protection website at civilprotection.gov.gr
