Severe weather front hits Greece – Snow storms paralyses Athens

Snow storms brought heavy snow that hit Greece early Monday the 24th of January 2022, with blizzards and sub-freezing temperatures in many parts of the country, including the capital Athens and many Aegean islands. Even the southest part of the country, Crete. Here ‘s a snap shot from the old Venetian harbor in Heraklion.

Authorities have warned the public to limit their movements over Monday and Tuesday, while schools shifted to online classes only.

The snow was coming down thick and fast in central Athens, settling on the marble columns of the ancient Acropolis.

Heavy snow paralyses Athens

Strong snow storms named “Elpida”, hited Athens all day till night yesterday, disrupting air traffic, bringing transport to a halt and leaving scores of drivers stranded overnight in a main Athenian highway, called Attiki Odos.

Rescue crews struggled to free hundreds of drivers whose cars halted for hours on an Athens ring road as the storm, named Elpida, swept Greece and covered the city with a thick layer of snow.

Greek media showed footage of soldiers handing out food, water and blankets to some of the drivers as the temperature fell overnight.

Snow blankets Greece

Heavy snowfall has caused major travel disruption in Greece with more snow still expected to hit the region till noon today Tuesday 25th of January 2022.

A thick layer of snow blanketed the beautyfull Greek capital of Athens following a severe storm that prompted the government to declare a holiday in some parts of the country.

Last year, a major snowstorm caused severe problems in the capital, knocking out power for days.

Exceptional conditions: Heavy snowfall cancels flights at major airports in Greece 

While snow is common in the Greek mountains and in northern Greece, it is less frequent in central Athens and on the Aegean islands.

Aw a resukt snow has covered much of Greece as far south as the island of Crete. This rare for Greece situation is more or less a  result of a cold snap with temperatures as low as -14 degrees Celsius.

A number of Greek schools and the country’s parliament were closed on Monday, while the metro line to Athens’ main airport was disrupted.

Meteorologists have told national media that the Greek capital has not experienced such weather conditions since 1968.

Snow covered even the Greek Islands in Aegean Sea –  Snow blankets Crete as well

Snow even fell on several Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, isolating some mountain villages on Andros, Naxos, and Tinos and covering the beaches of Mykonos.

Heavy snowfall also occurred on the island of Evia, north of Athens, which was ravaged by huge fires last summer.

Municipalities there have redoubled their efforts to keep the main roads open, while many villages suffered power cuts.

The snowfall is expected to continue on Tuesday, with temperatures below freezing, as civil protection officials said.