Greece Issues Red Weather Emergency Amid Severe Storm Erminio
Greece has declared a red weather emergency as severe Storm Erminio barrels into the country, prompting urgent warnings for thousands of UK tourists planning Easter getaways. The state weather service EMY forecasts prolonged and intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible hailstorms across most regions through Thursday.
Widespread Travel Disruptions and Alerts
Red alert warnings have been activated for eastern Peloponnese, Central Greece, Evia, Thessaly, the Sporades Islands, Attica, and the Dodecanese. An orange alert covers the Cyclades and eastern Aegean islands. Travel chaos has ensued, with three flights to Iraklio in Crete rerouted and ferry services, including the Rio-Antirrio route, suspended due to strong winds. Flights in regions like Chania and Heraklion have faced cancellations or diversions from poor visibility.
Emergency Measures and Impact on Tourism
In response, the Greek Ministry of Labor and Social Security has implemented emergency labour measures, including a mandatory suspension of outdoor work from 6pm to 10pm in affected areas such as Attica, Central Greece, and the Peloponnese. This spells significant disruption for British holidaymakers seeking Easter sunshine, with temperatures expected to drop to 9°C inland, 11°C along coasts, and 5°C in mountainous areas. Over the weekend, cloudy conditions with local showers and isolated thunderstorms will prevail, with temperatures falling below seasonal averages.
Broader Weather Context
Separately, the UK faces its own weather challenges during Easter, with wet, windy, and colder conditions forecasted, including Yellow Warnings for wind. This dual weather scenario highlights the broader travel risks for tourists during the holiday period, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared for sudden changes.
