Greece: ‘Barbara’ Storm Affects Services, Closes Schools, Disrupts Travel

Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

Greece’s winter storm named “Barbara” has put Greek authorities and citizens on alert as snowfalls, low temperatures and frost are expected from the early morning hours of Monday.

The ‘Barbara’ storm hit Greece late on Saturday with snowfall and continued on Sunday, causing the closing of central highways, cancellations of boat and train schedules, snow chains on tires and the activation of the European emergency system 112 which sent messages warning citizens about the phenomena and advising them to avoid unnecessary movement.

On Monday evening, the Greek Fire Department’s press representative, Yiannis Artofiros, said the cold weather will continue on Monday.

“During the night, and in the early hours of tomorrow, weather conditions are expected to intensify with heavy snowfall, very low temperatures and frost,” he said during, adding that caution is required when outdoors.

Greek Fire Department’s press representative, Yiannis Artofiros. Photo source: Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service released an emergency report on Sunday and said snowfall is expected to be heavy at low altitudes on Monday in Attica, but also on the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean, Thrace, the Sporades, Evia, eastern Central Greece, the Cyclades and Crete.

Due to the expected bad weather, Greek authorities have informed how schools, shops, public services and banks will operate on Monday:

– Schools will remain closed in Attica, Evia and Fthiotida with classes taking place virtually.
– Nurseries, kindergartens and day care centers will remain closed in Attica, Piraeus and other parts of the country.
– Public sector employees will work remotely in services where possible. Public services in Attica that will operate with staff will open at 10 am (appointments of the public scheduled before 10 am will not take place).
– For businesses in the private sector, the government strongly recommends that employees work remotely where possible.
– Shops in the north, north-east and north-west of Attica be closed, specifically in: Agios Stefanos, Anixi, Stamata, Drosia, Kifissia, Ekali, Thrakomakedones, Lykovrisi, Kefalari, Agia Paraskevi, Acharnes, Marousi, Penteli, Nea Erythrea, Varybompi, Tatoi, Pefki, Heraklion, Cholargo, Olympic Village, Papagou, Filothei, Psychiko, Vrilissia, Chalandri, Metamorfosi, Nea Ionia, Melissia, Geraka, Pallini, Spata, Koropi and Markopoulo.
– Pharmacies, super markets and gas stations in Attica will be open until 6pm.
– Open-air “laiki” farm markets in Attica will not operate.
– Food delivery services and courier services in Attica will run until 6pm.
– Banks in areas affected by the storm will be in service. However, citizens are recomended to limit their visits. Citizens that must go to a bank are advised to call in advance.
– Courts in the Attica Region (Athens-Piraeus), as well as the regional units of Viotia (Thiva-Livadia), Evia (Halkida) of the Central Greece Region will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Travel

Ship schedules have been suspended at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. Travelers who have booked ferry ticket are advised to check with their travel agents or contact local port authorities for further information.

Greece’s train operator Hellenic Train (former TrainOSE) has cancelled a number of routes on Monday.

The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection strictly recommends for citizens to limit their movements; go outdoors only if it is absolutely necessary; and frequently tune in to updates on the road network and weather forecasts.