A severe autumn storm struck Greece on 14–15 October, triggering 112 emergency alerts across eight regions, cancelling ferry departures from Piraeus and Lavrio, and causing serious flooding on Evia and Skiathos. If you are travelling to the Greek islands this week, check your ferry before leaving port.
What Has Happened
Thunderstorms and sustained winds of Force 9–10 Beaufort swept across central and northern Greece from the night of 13 October, with conditions still severe on the morning of 15 October.
Skiathos was among the worst-hit areas. Floodwater tore through central Skiathos town overnight, inundating roads, shops and homes and carrying two parked vehicles away in the current. On Evia, the River Kireas burst its banks and an auxiliary bridge near Politika collapsed, cutting road links between northern Evia and Chalkida. Rhodes also received a 112 emergency alert after severe weather threatened the island on the morning of 14 October.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) maintained a red weather warning for Evia through 15 October, with severe thunderstorms forecast across several regions.
Ferries and Transport
A sailing ban was in effect at the ports of Piraeus and Lavrio on 14 October due to Force 9–10 winds in the Aegean. Many island routes - including connections to the Sporades, Evia and the eastern Aegean - were suspended or running with significant delays. If you have a ferry booked in the coming days, check directly with your operator before travelling to port.
For anyone travelling between Athens and the islands, our guides to the Athens to Rhodes ferry cover normal sailing schedules and what to expect in disrupted conditions.
Who Is Affected
- Skiathos and the Sporades: significant structural damage and flooding; some roads may remain impassable
- Evia: red alert still active 15 October; bridge collapse affecting northern road connections
- Rhodes: 112 alert issued 14 October; conditions improving but monitor updates
- Ferry passengers from Piraeus and Lavrio: sailing bans were in effect; check before travelling
What to Do
The Greek Civil Protection authority issued 112 alerts urging residents and visitors in Evia, Skyros and the Sporades to limit movement to essential journeys until conditions improve. If you receive a 112 message on your phone in Greece, follow the instructions immediately.
Check ferry operator websites or the Hellenic Coast Guard (limenarcheia) for up-to-date sailing ban information before heading to port. Our Skiathos guide and Rhodes guide include local contact details and transport options you can reference while planning around disruptions.
Autumn storms are increasingly common in Greece from mid-October onward. Our best time to visit Greece guide covers seasonal weather patterns and which islands are most exposed to autumn Aegean winds.