Greece is being battered by violent storms. Lightning is causing minor fires, and heavy rain is causing flooding and traffic disruptions. Residents in several regions have received alerts warning of severe weather.
A wave of violent weather reached Greece on Wednesday. The biggest threat is storms and high lightning activity. Several small fires caused by lightning strikes broke out in the northern suburbs of Athens and in Attica, the fire department said on Thursday.
Fires were reported in the area of Dionisos, Marathon and Chalandri. Firefighters fought the fire from the ground and from the air, the eKhatimerini portal reported.
The National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued new warnings of approaching storms in central and northern Greece. According to meteorologists, heavy rains and thunderstorms with frequent lightning are expected until late afternoon on Thursday.
Storms and downpours in GreeceENEX
Residents receive alerts
According to local media, heavy hail fell in the area of the towns of Drosia and Dionisos. Due to the accumulation of a large amount of water, traffic was suspended on one of the roads near the town of Agios Stefanos. There is no information about injured people.
Emergency messages were sent out to residents of Thessaloniki, Larissa and other areas in northern Greece shortly after 7 p.m. to warn them of the approaching storms. Emergency services also urged residents to limit their movements in dangerous conditions and follow authorities' instructions.
eKhatimerini, Greek Reporter, ENEX, tvnmeteo.pl, pelop.gr
Main image source: ENEX