The Civil Protection Agency has issued instructions to citizens in light of the severe weather conditions affecting the country. According to the EMY's emergency bulletin on dangerous weather phenomena The bad weather, characterized mainly by snowfall, stormy northeasterly winds, low temperatures, and heavy frost, will continue over the next few days.
According to Special Bulletin on Dangerous Weather Conditions issued today Monday, February 15, 2021 from National Meteorological Service (EMY), bad weather that prevails in the country, with the main characteristics being snowfall, of stormy northeast winds the low temperatures and heavy frost will continue in the coming days.
More specifically:
1. Snowfall will be noted Today, Monday (February 15, 2021)) in eastern and southern countries and it will be dense periodically in Eastern Sterea, the Euboea, the Crete (in mountainous) and until late afternoon at Eastern Thessaly and the Sporades.
Tomorrow, Tuesday (February 16, 2021) the heavy snowfall will continue in Eastern Sterea, the Euboea, in islands of the North and East Aegean, in mountainous and semi-mountainous of Cyclades, as well as in areas of Crete with lower altitude. From late evening in Eastern Sterea and Euboea, the phenomena will subside.
From the early hours of the morning Wednesday (February 17, 2021) the snowfall gradually be limited to Crete where they will be dense, However, they will weaken after midday.
Specifically in Attica, from Monday afternoon (February 15, 2021), the snowfall will intensify and it will be according to intervals dense until Tuesday evening (February 16, 2021). During the night leading into Wednesday (February 17, 2021), they will be limited to the north and east, and will gradually cease in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
2. The heavy frost which already prevails in northern Greece, on Tuesday (February 16, 2021) and Wednesday (February 17, 2021) will noted in the rest of the mainland, while in areas (mainly in the West) Macedonia, but also Thrace, will be total in some areas.
3. The stormy northeast winds of force 7 to 8 on the Beaufort scale blowing today, Monday (February 15, 2021) at Ionian they will weaken by evening, but in Aegean Sea will continue to breathe in storm level locally 9 to 10 Beaufort. From the early hours of Wednesday (February 17, 2021), they will be limited to the southeast and will gradually weaken.
Citizens can stay informed on a daily basis about the development of extreme weather events through the regular weather reports issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) and on the EMY website at www.emy.gr.
Η General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, has informed the relevant state services involved, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, so that they are in increased civil protection preparedness, in order to immediately address the effects of severe weather events.
At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection advises citizens to be particularly cautious, taking care to taking self-protection measures from risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather events.
In particular, in areas where heavy rainfall, storms, or strong winds are forecast:
- Secure objects that could cause damage or injury if swept away by severe weather conditions.
- Ensure that the gutters and downspouts of residences are not blocked and are functioning properly.
- Avoid crossing streams and creeks, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rainfall, as well as for several hours after they have ended.
- Avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather events (risk of lightning strikes).
- Take immediate shelter during a hailstorm. Take refuge in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until you are sure that the storm has passed. Hailstorms can also be very dangerous for animals.
- Avoid walking under large trees, hanging signs, and generally areas where light objects (e.g., flower pots, broken glass, etc.) may become detached and fall to the ground (e.g., under balconies).
- Follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as the traffic police, etc., to the letter.
Also, in areas where snowfall and frost are expected:
If they are going to travel by car:
- Be informed about the weather and road conditions
- Have snow chains in their vehicle and a full tank of fuel.
- Travel, if necessary, preferably during the day, choosing main roads.
- Inform their relatives about the route they are going to take
- Change their travel plans to avoid the peak of weather events.
- Follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as the traffic police, etc., to the letter.
If they are traveling on foot :
- Dress in several layers of light clothing instead of one heavy garment and wear appropriate footwear to avoid injuries due to slippery conditions.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during peak periods (heavy snowfall, icy conditions).
For information and announcements regarding the prevailing situation and the passability of the road network due to floodwater ingress or snowfall and frost, citizens can visit the Hellenic Police website. www.astynomia.gr.
For more information information and self-protection guidelines Due to severe weather conditions, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at the following email address www.civilprotection.gr.
