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The torrential rains often accompanied by storms have caused serious problems in various regions of Greece. The authorities in Poros in the Argosaronic Gulf south of Athens have announced a state of emergency on the island due to the heavy floods caused by the heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, a 63-year-old man has drowned when a swollen river swept away his car while he was driving along the secondary road Langadikia - Sholari in the region of Thessaloniki. His 64-year-old female companion was taken out from the car and transported to AHEPA hospital that admitted her with symptoms of hypothermia.

It has started snowing in northern Greece, which is causing traffic problems. According to the competent services, the circulation of vehicles in the regions of Thessaloniki, Kilkis and Halkidiki is intermittent. Tyre chains are compulsory for those cars that are driving in the region around "Kaimakchalan" ski centre and the mountain road Florina - Kastoria.

The traffic problems in the district of Thessaloniki are due to the swollen rivers that have overflown in the majority of cases. The roads in the western part of the city and the country road Arethousa - Ano Vrasna are temporarily closed. The situation of other secondary roads in Langadas, Rentina and the Thessaloniki suburbs of Termi and Sindos is similar.

The circulation along "Egnatia" highway is smooth.

The circulation of vehicles on the secondary roads in the regions of Kilkis and Halkidiki is hampered as well. The traffic police have identified the problem areas and the circulation continues on alternative routes.

Due to the heavy rains in Thessaloniki, the local fire department has received more than 80 calls for help. Its teams have pumped out water from houses and other premises in 20 cases, cut fallen trees in 5 cases, and helped drivers to get out of their cars stranded in flooded areas in 3 cases. In the neighbourhood of Diavata, they have helped a family of four to leave their house as the swollen river Galikos has flooded their courtyard.

The bad weather has caused problems for some of the flights to and from "Macedonia" Thessaloniki airport.

In the region of Kilkis, the firefighters have pumped out water in 15 cases and assisted in 31 similar cases in Halkidiki. Two people in cars stranded in flooded areas have been rescued in both regions.
 
Meteorologists expect that rainfall will continue today throughout almost all of the country, forecasting that the torrential rains mainly in the eastern and southern regions of Greece will develop into storms in the afternoon.