Powerful Storm Batters Greece, Closing Schools in Thrace and Flooding Communities from Larissa to the Islands

Storm system spreads across Greece

A powerful storm system has swept across Greece, bringing a mix of heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and freezing temperatures to wide areas of the country. The impacts stretch from northern regions to the islands of the Aegean, disrupting daily life and prompting emergency responses.

Authorities reported that eastern Aegean islands, Crete, Thrace, and parts of eastern Macedonia are among the most affected areas, with forecasts calling for further drops in temperature and strengthening winds.

Schools closed and snow traps vehicles in Thrace

In Thrace, Greece, schools were closed in several districts due to heavy snowfall and frost, officials said. Classes shifted online as conditions deteriorated and travel became unsafe.

Snow also caused problems farther west. At the Lailias ski resort near Serres, 15 vehicles were trapped for hours after drivers failed to use snow chains. Roads turned icy. Movement slowed to a crawl.

At the same time, swollen rivers raised concern in several communities, while on Santorini, Greece, rising waters posed a serious threat to villages downstream.

Flooding overwhelms Larissa region

The storm struck the Larissa region, Greece, with particular force. In Agiokampos, seawater surged inland, flooding homes and shops. Heavy rain combined with strong winds pushed water through streets and into buildings.

Farmland was also inundated.

Agia mayor Antonis Gountaras described the scale of the rainfall as extreme.
“The amount of water that fell in Potamia is unbelievable, perhaps even more than during Daniel," he said.

Runoff from the mountains forced the closure of all sections of the coastal road where streams cross it. Traffic was diverted to inland routes behind bridges. Landslides were reported on roads toward Paliouria in Melivoia and along the Megalovryso-Anatoli route.

Trikala and Meteora remain on alert

Heavy rain caused problems in Trikala, Greece, but authorities said conditions were brought under control after rapid interventions. In the Meteora municipality, rural roads linking livestock facilities were disrupted, while overflowing rivers affected settlements including Gerakari, Agioi Theodoroi, and Theopetra.

Trikala mayor Nikos Sakkas said the situation remained manageable despite swollen rivers. Minor issues were resolved quickly through coordinated action.

Deputy regional governor Chrysa Dinti confirmed that the regional emergency mechanism remains on standby, responding wherever needed.

Island communities face rising waters and rough seas

Conditions remained difficult on the island of Lemnos, Greece, particularly in Myrina, where persistent rainfall caused dozens of incidents. At least four homes were affected by floodwaters. Fire Service crews moved in to assist residents and pump out water.

Severe weather also battered Evia, Greece. In Almyropotamos, powerful waves swept across the coastal road, carrying branches, debris, and rubbish. Seawater reached the pavement in several locations, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

Further south, the Cyclades were hit hard. Roads and narrow streets in Paros, Greece, and Mykonos, Greece, turned into fast-moving rivers as intense rain overwhelmed drainage systems.

Exceptional rainfall recorded nationwide

By midday on Sunday, 1 February 2026, rainfall totals highlighted the scale of the storm. According to automatic weather stations operated by meteo.gr and the National Observatory of Athens, the highest rainfall was recorded in Zagora Pelion, Greece, with 189 millimetres measured by 13:40.

Rainfall of more than one millimetre was recorded across most of the country. Out of 558 active stations, 529 reported precipitation, underscoring how widespread the storm has been.

The storm continues to test infrastructure, emergency services, and communities across Greece as rain, snow, and strong winds persist.