Storm P wreaks havoc in Greece

Severe weather caused chaos in the mountainous regions of Epirus, western Greece, on Saturday, as overnight torrential rains prompted landslides, disrupting the road network. Masses of rock and earth have hindered travel, with blockages reported on several critical routes, including Tzoumerka, Konitsa, and the Delvinaki-Pogoniani road.

As reported by Kathimerini, efforts to clear the debris are underway, with civil protection machinery deployed in a race against time to restore connectivity. The landslides come as a direct consequence of the inclement weather battering the region, necessitating an urgent response from the authorities to mitigate disruptions and ensure the safety of motorists and residents alike.

The National Observatory of Athens, through its meteorological service Meteo, has issued a warning for persistent rain and the potential for hailstorms across a swath of Greek territory, including the Ionian Sea, central Greece, western Peloponnese, Macedonia, Thrace, and the northeast Aegean islands, with a chance that Thessaly will also be affected. Epirus is expected to bear the brunt of the deluge, with substantial rainfall adding to the precarious situation due to the earlier landslides.

The weather system, classified as a Category 4 storm, is expected to impact regions far beyond Epirus, with significant weather activity predicted for much of the country. Residents of Attica can anticipate solid winds and rains, particularly during the midday period, adding to the widespread impact of the storm front.

Named “Storm P,” the weather phenomenon originates from Central Europe and is characterized by its potent combination of hail, lightning, and gusty winds. The storm entered Greece from the northwest and is projected to continue its eastward journey across the mainland, affecting the eastern Aegean and reaching the Dodecanese islands.