Severe weather “swept” Crete and Chios – Landslides and fallen trees

Heavy storms and gale-force winds caused flooding, landslides and fallen trees in Crete and Chios, with dozens of interventions by the Fire Service and significant problems on the road network, according to local media.

Many areas of the country were at the mercy of severe weather on Tsiknopempti (12/2), as intense rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds triggered flooding and landslides. Major problems were recorded mainly in Crete and Chios, where the competent authorities remain on heightened alert.

Crete: Storms, landslides and fallen trees

According to patris.gr, most of the minor problems in Crete were identified in the inland areas of Heraklion and in the southern part of the island. Rainfall began early on Thursday evening (12/2) and quickly developed into a heavy storm, while gale-force winds made their presence strongly felt.

In the municipality of Phaistos, flooded roads were recorded, covered with mud and debris. On the road towards the Tympaki land redistribution area, the bridge was split in two shortly before midnight, as reported by e-mesara.gr, with municipal services rushing to the scene and halting traffic for safety reasons.

Landslides were also reported on the road from Kamares to Vorizia, where a rock fell onto the roadway, causing a traffic interruption.

At the same time, due to the gale-force winds, trees fell in various parts of the island. The Fire Service operated throughout the night to cut and remove them.

Chios: 28 water pump-outs and roads turned into torrents

Significant problems were also recorded in Chios. According to politischios, from Thursday evening (12/2) until the early morning hours of Friday (13/2), the Fire Service carried out 28 water pump-outs from homes, basements and storage areas.

Most incidents were recorded in Megas Limnionas, while problems were also reported in Thymiana and Agia Ermioni, with crews continuously working to remove the water.

Flooding phenomena were also observed in Kampos and in Karydamada, where roads turned into torrents. Particular caution is required on the road axis from Vrontados to Lagada, as the roadway filled with soil and stones from nearby slopes.

Problems were also recorded in the settlement of Kastro in Chios, while in southern Chios a large volume of water accumulated in residential areas. The Olympoi river came close to overflowing, heightening residents’ concerns.

Severe weather continues today – Areas where phenomena will occur

The second wave of bad weather that began late Thursday afternoon (12/02) continues today, Friday (13/02).

Specifically, according to the updated emergency bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) regarding the short spell of severe weather affecting the country, the second wave continues today with heavy rain and thunderstorms and very strong winds that will persist throughout the day.

More specifically, heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast:

a. in western and southern Peloponnese and the Ionian islands during the early morning hours of Friday 13-02-2026

b. in Crete until Friday morning 13-02-2026

c. in the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean on Friday until the morning hours

d. in the Dodecanese on Friday at intervals until the afternoon

e. in Thrace temporarily on Friday morning 13-02-2026.

Very strong to gale-force winds will blow:

– during the morning hours of Friday (westerly to northwesterly winds)
– in the areas of Kythira and Crete on Friday from morning until afternoon (westerly winds).