In a state of high alert with further escalation of operational plans, if necessary, fire and rescue services of areas where severe events are expected were put into action to eliminate the risks of flooding, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. A worsening bulletin issued today, Monday, August 22, 2022 by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), weather is forecast to worsen with heavy rains and storms accompanied by a high frequency of lightning, hail and temporary, during events, with increase in gusty winds, from Tuesday tomorrow to working out.

At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection has informed the competent state authorities performing official duties, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be on high alert in order to immediately eliminate the consequences of the occurrence of intense weather events.

Also, the General Directorate of Public Health advises citizens to be especially careful, take self-protection measures, and has issued a number of instructions to avoid risks and unpleasant consequences, especially in areas where heavy rains, storms or hurricane-force winds are forecast.

Citizen safety briefing

* To protect objects that, if carried away in adverse weather conditions, could cause damage or injury.

* Make sure that the gutters and downspouts of the houses are not clogged and are working properly.

* Avoid crossing rivers and streams on foot or by car during thunderstorms and rain, and for several hours after they end.

* Avoid outdoor work and activities in sea and coastal areas during severe weather events (danger of lightning strikes).

* Take cover immediately during hail. Take cover 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 generally from places 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 service, etc.

Also in areas with intense thunderstorm activity:

If you are at home

* 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.

If you are in a car

* 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.

If you are on the street

* Take cover in a building or car, or immediately sit on the ground without lying down.

* If you are in the 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 poles, power lines, telephone lines and fences.

* Stay away from metal 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 surface and feel like your hair is standing on end (indicating that lightning is about to strike), sit deep with your head between your legs (to minimize body surface and contact with the ground), throwing metal items. you have on you.

For any information regarding protection from severe weather, citizens can refer to the Fire Department website and social media accounts, and the situation on the road network on the ELAS website, www.astynomia.gr, as well as more detailed information. information and instructions for self-protection on the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr. The weather can be updated daily from EMY at the online address www.emy.gr.

The fire service and civil defense are asking citizens to be especially careful and, in the event of dangerous weather events, follow the instructions of the competent authorities.

EMY forecasts for the next few days

According to the extreme weather bulletin published today, Monday, August 22, 2022, by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), weather deterioration with heavy rains and storms, which will be accompanied by a high frequency of thunderstorms, hail and thunderstorms, during events from increased gusty winds are forecast from tomorrow Tuesday through Friday.

Phenomena will also manifest during the hours outside the classical instability (noon) and will affect not only the mainland, but also the island countries and especially the Aegean Sea. Thessaly, Sporades, northern Evia, northern Aegean and Halkidiki will receive the most rainfall, mostly on Wednesday and Thursday.

* Tomorrow Tuesday (23-08-2022) intermittent heavy rains and storms are forecast for central and eastern Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, eastern Sterea, Sporades, Evia, the islands of the northern Aegean Sea and at noon-afternoon in the rest of the mainland and Crete.

* On Wednesday (August 24, 2022), strong effects will continue and affect the eastern mainland and the island country (excluding Dodecanese) from early morning and the rest of the mainland in the afternoon.

* On Thursday (08/25/2022), heavy rains and storms are forecast for central and eastern Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, eastern Sterea, Sporades, Evia, the islands of the northeast Aegean Sea and in the afternoon for the rest of the mainland. and Crete.

* On Friday (08/26/2022), according to currently available forecast data, the phenomena in the above areas will continue, but will gradually weaken.