A man was found dead under a car in the Nea Makri rural area near Athens on Thursday, following a severe storm that struck parts of Greece, according to the fire department. The storm. Named Erminio. Brought gale-force winds and flooding across the region, while a Saharan dust storm enveloped Crete, turning the sky red-orange.

Storm Causes Chaos in Athens and Crete

The storm led to widespread disruptions. Including flooded streets. Closed schools. And halted ferry services — some flights on Crete were also affected on Wednesday after the arrival of Saharan dust from an African storm. The national meteorological service warned that the weather would remain poor on Thursday, with long-lasting and intense rains, storms, and possibly hail across most areas of the country.

A red warning was issued for Crete, particularly in the west and south, from midday until late at night on Thursday. The fire department reported receiving 674 calls for assistance from Wednesday through the early hours of Thursday, with the majority coming from the Attica region, which includes Athens. Most of these calls were related to fallen trees caused by high winds.

Flooding and Damage Reported Across the Region

Flooding was reported in several areas. Including the basement of the local police station in Nea Makri, as well as streets in the region; a bridge was knocked down on the island of Poros, and vehicles have reportedly been swept away in the strong winds. Some schools in the area have also been closed as a precaution.

Ferries remained moored in ports due to the high winds, with Greek media reporting that some departures may resume on Thursday, depending on the weather. The storm has also led to significant disruptions in transportation and daily life across the affected regions.

Weather Outlook and Ongoing Concerns

The national meteorological service continued to monitor the situation, warning that the severe weather conditions could persist into Thursday. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. The Saharan dust, which has settled over Crete, is expected to linger for some time, further complicating the weather conditions.

Local officials are working to assess the full impact of the storm and provide support to affected communities. Emergency services remain on high alert, prepared to respond to any additional incidents that may arise from the ongoing weather crisis.

Residents in the affected areas are being advised to take necessary precautions, including securing loose items and staying informed about the latest weather updates. The situation remains under close observation as the storm continues to impact the region.