The Greek islands Zante, Kefalonia and Ithaca have been struck by a rare cyclone, which now looks to be heading towards Crete.
Storm Ianos also hit the region of Ilia in the Peloponnese on Thursday night, and is expected to affect the rest of the Peloponnese, central Greece, Attica and Evia today.
The Cyclades islands are expected to be affected as of Friday night, while on Saturday it is possible that Crete will also be impacted.
Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias warned the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions. "We must be clear, the effects of Ianos will be similar to those of very bad weather, but with even greater intensity, extent and duration. Material damage may be caused by strong winds and collisions with objects flying in the wind," he said.
The phenomenon is known as the ‘Mediterranean cyclone’, which first appeared in 1995 onwards. He added that it resembles the US tropical cyclones, but although it is weaker, shorter in duration and smaller in scale, it tends to intensify.
