Storm Erminio Hits Greece: Man Killed, Flooding and Saharan Dust Disrupt Travel

A man died near Athens as Storm Erminio brought strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding across Greece. The storm caused street and bridge damage, school closures, ferry disruptions, and a Saharan dust storm turned the sky red-orange over Crete. Emergency services received hundreds of calls, mostly in Attica.

A man has tragically died near Athens as Greece faces severe weather conditions, including gale-force winds, heavy rain, and flooding. The victim was discovered under a car in the rural area of Nea Makri early on Thursday, according to the local fire department, highlighting the dangerous impact of Storm Erminio, which has swept across much of the country.
The storm has caused widespread disruption to daily life. Streets have been flooded, some schools have been forced to close, and ferries remain moored in ports due to the high winds. In addition to the rainfall and strong gusts, Crete has been affected by a Saharan dust storm, which enveloped the island and turned the sky a striking red-orange, delaying some flights on Wednesday. The national meteorological service has warned that bad weather is expected to continue across most areas on Thursday, with long-lasting and intense rainfall, strong storms, and localized hail anticipated. A red warning is in effect for western and southern Crete from midday until late in the evening.
From Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday, the fire department received 674 calls for assistance, most of them from the Attica region around Athens. The majority of these calls were related to fallen trees, which posed risks to both property and public safety. Flooding has affected streets and even the basement of the local police station in Nea Makri. On the island of Poros, a bridge was knocked down, and several vehicles were swept away by rising waters. The ongoing high winds have also kept ferries in ports, though some departures may resume Thursday if the weather allows.
Authorities continue to urge residents to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed of weather updates as emergency services respond to incidents caused by the storm. The combination of flooding, strong winds, and Saharan dust demonstrates the multiple hazards the country is facing simultaneously, posing challenges to both local communities and emergency responders working to mitigate damage and protect lives.