Ahead is a general meeting of all competent authorities weather vane “Barbara” took place on Friday afternoon at civil protection under the leadership of Christos Stylianides and with the participation of competent ministers, the leadership of the fire service, the National Meteorological Service, as well as a scientific group of meteorologists.

At the meeting, it became known that on the orders of the head of the fire department, Lieutenant General Georgios Pournaras, operational plans were implemented to eliminate the risks associated with the occurrence of snowfalls.

According to an emergency weather hazard bulletin issued today by the National Weather Service, a storm called “Barbara” is expected in our country from Sunday, February 5th. Its main characteristics will be low temperatures, severe frost, heavy snowfalls in places even in the lowlands of eastern Greece, as well as gale-force northerly winds of 8 to 9 Beaufort at sea.

At the same time, fire departments in areas where events are expected to occur have been put on high alert and further strengthened as needed so that any problems can be dealt with as hazardous weather develops. immediately.

Mandatory provision of all vehicles with traction control

At the meeting, it was emphasized that all vehicles must be equipped with anti-slip devices without fail. In addition, from tomorrow morning the Greek police will conduct strict checks.

Mr. Pournaras also mentioned that there is a high likelihood of heavy vehicles being banned in areas with heavy snowfall.

“We strongly advise citizens to limit their movements to only what is absolutely necessary,” the fire chief said.

Recommendations for protecting the homeless from the cold

At the same time, a letter to all municipalities of the territory to prevent the endangerment of the homeless due to low temperatures and poor conditions during the period of impending frosts in the coming days, sent on 03/02/2023 to the General Secretariat for Social Solidarity and Combating Poverty of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Specifically, it was proposed that each municipality designate indoor heated buildings that would be available for temporary housing for the homeless and available around the clock (or at least 12 noon, in the evening hours, from 8 am). pm to 8 am) on days with particularly low temperatures.

The Big Dive in Mercury – Meteo’s Latest Analysis

It is noted that a significant drop in temperature is expected over the weekend, with snowfall even at low altitudes in the eastern and southern parts of the country, including in Attica, according to the latest analysis of forecast data from the National Observatory. Athens / meteo.gr.

The reason for this weather change will be the atmospheric circulation over Europe in the coming days, which will be characterized by the development of a high pressure field that will stretch from northwest Africa to Scandinavia.

In combination with low pressure in eastern and southeastern Europe, this will allow the transfer of cold air masses to the Balkans and to our country.

At the same time, the specific arrangement of atmospheric circulation will be characterized by the movement of microdisturbances in the upper troposphere, from the northeast towards our country, which will contribute to the occurrence of significant snowfalls in the east and south of the country.

• A significant drop in temperature gradually from Saturday evening from north to south, which will be felt throughout the country until Sunday noon. Cooling will be 8-10, and in places 10-12 degrees.
• Snowfall to low altitudes (from continental to flat parts) is expected mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the country, with an emphasis on Sporades, southeastern Thessaly, Evia, Boeotia, Attica, Cyclades, eastern Peloponnese. and Crete. Temporary snowfalls are also likely in parts of Thrace, the islands of the northeast Aegean and Halkidiki.
• North wind, strengthening up to 7-8 points, in some places up to 9 points on the Beaufort scale.
• Severe frosts in the north, where in some areas it will be solid frost.
• Finally, according to meteorological data, the exact movement and time of arrival in our country of these microdisturbances of the upper troposphere, which significantly determine the intensity and scale of snowfalls, remain extremely uncertain predictively.

Advice from the Health Service to citizens in connection with bad weather BARBARA

The recommendation to citizens to be especially careful to take measures to protect themselves against the risks arising from the occurrence of intense weather events is addressed to the General Secretariat of Civil Weather Protection under the name of BARBARA.

In particular, in areas where snowfalls and frosts are predicted, the General Directorate of Civil Protection recommends that citizens:

If they are going to travel by car:

• Be aware of the weather and the state of the road network
• Have snow chains on your vehicle and a full tank of fuel.
• Travel as needed, preferably during the day, preferring major roads.
• To inform your relatives about the route they are going to take
• Change your travel schedule to avoid peak weather.
• Conscientiously follow the instructions of local authorities such as the Road Traffic Authority, etc.

If walking:

• Dress in several layers of light clothing rather than heavy clothing and wear suitable footwear to avoid slippery injuries.
• To avoid unnecessary movements during the peak of phenomena (heavy snowfall, frost)

In addition, in areas where heavy rainfall, storms or gale-force winds are expected:

• 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 public areas 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.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crises and Civil Protection has informed the relevant competent state authorities, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be in an enhanced civil protection regime. readiness to face directly the consequences of the occurrence of intense weather events.

At the same time, operational plans “DARDANOS 2” and “NORTH 2” are being implemented to combat the risks of floods and snowfalls, as well as related events, while the fire services of areas where events are expected should be put on high alert. and, where necessary, further strengthened to deal promptly with any problems arising from the occurrence of severe weather events.

Citizens can visit the ELAS website www.astynomia.gr for information and announcements about the current situation and the trafficability of the road network due to flood waters or snowfall and frost.

For more information and guidance on self-protection from the weather, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.

It is noted that according to the emergency bulletin on dangerous weather released today by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), cold air masses from Northern Europe will move further south and from Sunday (05/05) will cause bad weather in our country with the name BARBARA. 02/2023). The main features will be low temperatures, severe frost, sometimes heavy snowfalls even in the lowlands of Eastern Greece, as well as storm northerly winds of 8 to 9 Beaufort at sea.

Every day, citizens can be aware of the development of extreme weather events in regular EMR weather reports and on the EMR website at the online address www.emy.gr.