Storm Erminio flooded streets, closed schools and blocked ferries. Meanwhile, some flights were disrupted in Crete on Wednesday after dust from an African storm filled the air, turning the sky red-orange, according to the BBC.
Photos taken on Wednesday show how Saharan dust engulfed the island and cities turned a reddish hue.
According to the national weather service, bad weather is expected in most regions of Greece on Thursday, “with intense and long-lasting rain and storms, as well as the possibility of local hail.”
A red alert is in effect in Crete, especially in the west and south of the island, from noon on Thursday until late at night.
Firefighters received 674 emergency calls on Wednesday and in the early hours of Thursday. Most were recorded in the Attica region, which includes Athens, most of which were related to fallen trees.
Strong winds kept ferries anchored in ports, with Greek media reporting that some departures could resume on Thursday, weather permitting.
The streets as well as the basement of the local police station in Nea Makri were flooded. A bridge was demolished on the island of Poros, and vehicles were reportedly washed away. Some schools were also closed. Near Athens, a man died. He was found under a car in rural Nea Makri on Thursday morning, according to firefighters.
