Recommendations were once again issued by Civil Protection for citizens to take special care, taking care to take self-protection measures against risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather events.
As I learned from the Fire Department, the Fire Department Operations Center has received a limited number of calls to Attica today, mainly for water pumping in Nea Smyrni, Kallithea and Moschato.
At the same time, in the early afternoon a message via 112 was sent to residents of the Peloponnese regions warning them of heavy rain and storms in some places from noon to early evening and warning them to be careful in their movements during the phenomena. In particular, the message states: “In the Peloponnese, from noon to early evening, there will be heavy rain and storms in some places. Be careful when traveling during the phenomena. Follow the instructions of the authorities.”
Wave of bad weather today too – Storms from midday in Attica
According to the updated Emergency Weather Deterioration Bulletin (EDEK) issued today by the National Meteorological Service (SMN), masses of cold and unstable air in the upper atmosphere will remain over our country until today Saturday (31-08-24) affecting in places most of the center and south of the continent with heavy rains and storms, which will be accompanied by high frequency of lightning and localized hail.
Temporarily the phenomena will be accompanied by very strong winds (burinia).
Citizens can be informed about the development of extraordinary weather phenomena in the regular EMY weather bulletins and on the EMY website at the electronic address www.emy.gr.
The instructions
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, informed the competent government bodies involved in the service, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to increase civil protection readiness, to directly face the effects of the occurrence of intense meteorological phenomena.
In particular, in areas where heavy rain, storms or strong winds are expected, the Public Health Service recommends that citizens:
- To protect objects that, if transported through severe weather conditions, could cause damage or injury.
- Make sure your home’s gutters and downspouts are clear of obstructions and are working properly.
- Avoid crossing streams and creeks, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rain, but also for several hours after the end of your event.
- Avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather events (risk of lightning strikes).
- Take shelter immediately during a hailstorm. Take shelter in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until you are sure the storm has passed. Hail can also be very dangerous for animals.
- Avoid walking under large trees, under signage and in areas in general where light objects (e.g. pots, broken glass, etc.) could come loose and fall to the ground (e.g. under balconies).
- Faithfully follow the instructions of local authorities, such as Traffic, etc.
In areas with intense atmospheric activity:
If you are at home
- Do not hold electrical appliances or telephones, as lightning can travel through wires. Disconnect televisions from the antenna and power supply.
- Avoid touching plumbing pipes (kitchen, bathroom) as they are good conductors of electricity.
If you are in the car
- Park it on the side of the road and away from trees that could fall on it.
- Stay indoors and turn on your emergency lights (emergency lights) until the storm passes.
- Close windows and do not touch metal objects.
- Avoid flooded roads.
If you are outdoors
- Take refuge in a building or car or sit down on the floor immediately, without lying down.
- Take cover under solid branches of low trees if you are in a forest.
- Never take shelter under a tall tree in an open area.
- Avoid low-lying land due to the risk of flooding.
- Do not stand near poles, power lines, telephone lines and fences.
- Do not approach metal objects (e.g. cars, bicycles, camping equipment, etc.).
- Stay away from rivers, lakes or other bodies of water.
- If you are in the sea, get out immediately.
- If you are isolated on a flat surface and feel your hair standing on end (signaling that lightning is about to strike), sit down deeply with your head between your legs (to minimize your body’s surface area and contact with the ground) and throw away any metal objects you are carrying.
For information and announcements on the prevailing situation and the passability of the road network due to the influx of flood waters, citizens can visit the ELAS website www.astynomia.gr.
For more information and instructions on self-protection against bad weather, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at the following address: civilprotection.gov.gr