Emergency crews rescued two people from a vehicle swept away by raging floodwaters in East Attica on Tuesday, as a severe storm system hammered Greece with heavy rain and gale-force winds.
The dramatic rescue occurred at the Varda stream between Spata and Pikermi, where rushing water trapped the motorists. Both were retrieved unharmed. The Fire Service reported receiving over 40 calls for water pumping and debris removal across the region, forcing police to halt traffic in flood-prone zones.
The National Observatory of Athens has classified the weather event as a "Category 3" significant storm. While the system initially struck western Greece, it is now driving eastward, battering the Peloponnese, Crete, and the Aegean islands with potential hail and strong southerly winds.
Six northern regions remain on "Red Alert"—the highest level of civil protection readiness—anticipating worsening conditions through the afternoon. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to limit travel and avoid crossing streams or flooded intersections.