Bad weather “ILINA” has affected parts of Greece over the past few hours as the National Meteorological Service updated its Extreme Weather Bulletin.

The ILINA system will hit our country today and tomorrow with heavy rains and storms, which will be accompanied by in places with a high frequency of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds local storm in the Aegean.

Analytically:

• To secure objects that, if blown away by severe weather conditions, could cause damage or injury.
• Make sure the gutters and downspouts of the houses are clear and working properly.
• Avoid crossing streams and streams on foot or by car during thunderstorms and rain, and for several hours after they end.
• Avoid working outdoors and operating in sea and coastal areas during adverse weather conditions (danger of lightning strikes).
• Take cover immediately during hail. Take shelter in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until they are sure the storm has passed. Hail can be very dangerous for animals too.
• Avoid walking under large trees, under posted signs, and in general where light objects (eg pots, broken glass, etc.) can break off and fall to the ground (eg under balconies).
• Conscientiously follow the instructions of local authorities such as the Road Traffic Authority, etc.

In areas with intense thunderstorm activity:

• Do not hold on to electrical appliances or the telephone, as lightning can pass through the wires. Disconnect TVs from antenna and power supply..
• Do not touch plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.

• Park it on the side of the road and away from trees that might fall on it.
• Stay inside and turn on your brake lights (emergency lights) until the storm subsides.
• Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
• Avoid flooded roads.

• Take cover in a building or car, or immediately sit on the ground without lying down.
• If you are in a forest, take cover under the hard branches of low trees.
• Never take cover under a tall tree in an open area..
• Avoid lowlands due to the risk of flooding.
• Stay away from power poles, power lines, telephone lines, and fences.
• Keep away from metallic objects (such as cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
• Stay away from rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.
• If you are at sea, leave immediately.
• If you are isolated on a flat area and feel like your hair is standing on end (indicating that lightning is about to happen), squat down with your head between your legs (to minimize body surface and contact with the ground), discarding any metal objects you are carrying.

At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crises and Civil Protection informed the relevant competent state authorities, as well as regions and municipalities of the country that they be on high civil protection alert to immediately deal with the effects of severe weather events.

Moreover, an operational plan is being implemented to combat the risks of floods, as well as related phenomenawhile fire departments in areas where events are expected to occur are on high alert and further escalated if necessary to deal with any issues immediately.