Storms, gale-force winds expected across Greece
Strong downpours and gale-force winds are expected to lash most parts of the country starting on Thursday night and for at least two days after that, the Greek meteorological service (HNMS) has warned.
The wet front will sweep in from the southwest, hitting the islands of the Ionian and the western coast of the Peloponnese first, before making its way across the mainland and possibly to the Crete and the Aegean by the early hours of Friday. Southerly winds will pick up, reaching speeds as high as 9 on the Beaufort scale, especially at sea.
Heavy snowfall has also been forecast for the mountains of Epirus, Western Macedonia and central parts.
The downpours and strong winds are expected to persist through Saturday and reach the eastern and southeastern Aegean, raising concerns for the safety of thousands of refugees and migrants making the crossing into Greece from Turkey or camping on the country’s northern border as they wait to enter the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on their way West.
