Still scarred by last year’s brutal storms, Greece’s Thessaly region is on high alert as a fresh wave of severe weather looms.
The incoming storm, expected to strike on Friday, is forecasted to be intense, albeit brief, with meteorologists predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and possible hail.
Last year, the Thessaly plain was ravaged by storms that left the land barren, with recovery efforts still ongoing. The region, vital to Greece’s agriculture, suffered significant economic losses, and the upcoming storm raises concerns of further hardship.
Authorities says they are closely monitoring the front, urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, especially in previously affected areas like Larissa and Magnesia.
In 2023, the THessaly plain was battered by Storm Daniel – a disaster experts say could take at least five years for the plain to become fertile again. The agricultural region, which accounts for a quarter of Greece’s agricultural production, faced ruined crops, dead animals, and worries of shortages and price hikes1.
The short-term impact on the Greek economy is estimated at between 3 and 5 billion euros.