Intense rainfall and gale-force winds hit Greece, causing deadly flooding
A severe storm system brought intense rainfall and gale-force winds across Greece on January 22, 2026, causing deadly floods and widespread disruptions. A woman was killed in Glyfada, Athens, when her vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, and a 53-year-old coastguard officer died in Peloponnese after being struck by a wave. Schools were closed, ferry services suspended, and authorities warned residents to avoid non-essential travel.
A firetruck driving through floodwaters in Attica, Greece, on January 21, 2026. Credit: Hellenic Fire Corps
A powerful storm affected large parts of Greece on January 21–22, producing torrential rain, strong winds exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph), and extensive flooding. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued multiple severe weather warnings as the system moved across the mainland toward the Aegean Sea.
Eight of the highest rainfall totals nationwide were recorded in Attica on January 21. Nearly 5 months’ worth of rain fell in just 24 hours in parts of Athens, with the Papagou station recording 174 mm (6.8 inches) of rainfall through January 21. This equals over 40% of the region’s average annual rainfall.
Meanwhile, other parts of Attica also saw over 100 mm (4 inches) of rainfall. The highest countrywide rainfall totals recorded at 20:00 LT on January 21 were Papagou recording 146.4 mm (5.7 inches), Taktikoupoli Trizinia recording 130.4 mm (5.1 inches), and Vyronas recording 126.4 mm (4.9 inches) of rain.
Streets in Glyfada, Kallithea, and Piraeus were inundated, trapping vehicles and overwhelming drainage systems. One woman died in Glyfada after her car was carried away by rising water. Firefighters conducted numerous rescues of motorists and residents stranded in flooded basements and roads.
In Peloponnese, a 53-year-old coastguard officer was killed at Paralio Astros when a strong wave threw him into the sea while he was securing a patrol vessel. His body was later recovered after an extensive search by the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Authorities closed schools in several regions, including Attica, and canceled ferry operations between mainland ports and the islands due to high winds of over 100 km/h (62 mph) and rough seas. Public transport delays were reported throughout the Athens metropolitan area.
The storm is expected to continue affecting eastern Greece and Aegean islands through Thursday, with warnings in place for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible further flooding.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis canceled his planned trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos due to the severity of the weather situation.
References:
1 Where the highest rainfall totals were recorded across the country – Over 140 mm recorded in Attica – ERT – January 22, 2026
2 Greece: Parts of Athens resemble a bombed landscape after the deadly downpour – Euro News – January 22, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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