Malevizi warns of heavy rain and storms through Thursday as EMY issues alert
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued an emergency bulletin forecasting heavy rain and localized strong storms for Crete, particularly the island’s northern coast, from Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon. The Municipality of Malevizi has urged residents to take particular care in the areas of Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Paleokastro and Fodele.
According to EMY’s bulletin, the main features of the deteriorating weather will be intense rainfall, localized severe storms and strong northerly winds that may reach up to 9 Beaufort. Hail is also possible, mainly in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas. The warning period runs from Tuesday evening until Thursday around midday.
EMY had previously forecast winds up to 8 Beaufort and rain through Thursday for Crete, and the latest bulletin raises the expected wind strength further for the island’s north.
Flood risk in low-lying areas
The municipality said increased water runoff, accumulation of debris and road problems may occur in Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Paleokastro and Fodele due to the intensity of the rainfall. Ground across the island remains saturated from recent weather systems, a factor that forecasters have said keeps flood risk elevated even as individual storms ease.
The Municipality of Malevizi is advising residents to be especially careful with their movements for the duration of the bad weather and to follow instructions from the relevant authorities.
Municipality’s recommendations
Citizens are asked to avoid crossing low-water fords, known locally as “Irish crossings,” on foot or by vehicle, as these can be dangerous even when water levels appear low. Residents are also asked to limit travel to what is strictly necessary while the phenomena are occurring.
The municipality further advised removing objects and vehicles from spots where they could be swept away by fast-moving water in the event of flooding, with particular attention needed in Paleokastro, Agia Pelagia, Lygaria and Made. Protective guidance during severe weather events is available through the Civil Protection authority’s website.
Separately, the Heraklion port authority has warned vessel owners as rain and local storms persist across Crete, underscoring the broader disruption the current weather system is causing across the island.
