A dramatic change in the weather pattern is expected from tomorrow, Friday (12/06), with the General Secretariat of Civil Protection issuing recommendations to citizens, calling on them to be particularly careful and to take self-protection measures against dangers arising from severe weather phenomena.
On standby ahead of weather deterioration
In parallel, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has informed the competent state services involved, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be in heightened civil protection readiness in order to immediately address the impacts of severe weather phenomena.
Additionally, the operational plan has been activated to address risks from flooding and associated phenomena, while according to the Fire Service, Fire Services in areas where phenomena are expected to occur are in a state of increased readiness and further escalation if required, in order to immediately address any problems from intense phenomena of the storm in question.
Civil Protection guidelines
Specifically, in areas where intense rainfall, storms or gale-force winds are forecast, the General Secretariat recommends citizens:
- Secure objects which, if swept away by intense weather phenomena, could cause damage or injury.
- Ensure that home drains and gutters are not blocked and are functioning normally.
- Avoid crossing streams and torrents, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rainfall, and for several hours after they end. Particular attention is needed at points on the road network where the road intersects with torrents and there is no bridge.
- Avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather phenomena (danger from lightning strikes).
- Take immediate shelter during hailstorms. Take 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, under suspended signs and generally areas where light objects (e.g. flower pots, broken glass etc.) may detach and fall to the ground (e.g. under balconies).
- Follow faithfully the instructions of local authorities, such as Traffic Police etc.
In areas experiencing intense lightning activity:
If you are at home
- Do not hold electrical appliances or the telephone as lightning can pass through cables. Disconnect television sets from the antenna and electrical power supply.
- Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.
If you are in a car
- Stop at the roadside away from trees that might fall on it.
- Stay inside and turn on hazard warning lights until the storm subsides.
- Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
- Avoid flooded roads.
If you are outdoors
- Take refuge in a building or car, otherwise sit immediately on the ground without lying down.
- Take shelter under solid branches of low trees if you are in a forest.
- Never take refuge under a tall tree in an open space.
- Avoid low ground due to flood risk.
- Do not stand next to poles, electrical transmission lines, telephone lines and fences.
- Do not approach metal objects (e.g. cars, bicycles, camping equipment etc.).
- Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
- If you are in the sea, get out immediately.
If you are isolated in a flat area and feel your hair standing up (which indicates lightning will strike soon), crouch down with your head between your legs (to minimize your body surface and contact with the ground) and throw away any metal objects you have on you.
Rain and storms in many regions of the country
It is reminded that according to the Emergency Weather Deterioration Bulletin issued today Thursday 11 June 2026 by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), weather change is forecast for Friday (12-06-2026) in northern and central Greece with locally heavy rain and storms, which will be temporarily accompanied by strong winds (squalls), high frequency of lightning, while there is a possibility of local hailstorms.
Citizens can stay informed daily about the evolution of extreme weather phenomena through EMY’s regular weather bulletins and on EMY’s website at www.emy.gr, (www.oldportal.emy.gr)
For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and road network accessibility due to floodwater ingress 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 of Civil Protection website at civilprotection.gov.gr
