Newsflash from Sunday, 15 February 2026:
Crete is currently grappling with extreme weather conditions as powerful southerly winds, reaching up to 9 Beaufort, sweep across the island. The storm has brought a combination of unseasonably high temperatures, dense African dust, and gale-force gusts that have already caused significant disruptions in several regions.
Here is the latest update on the situation and what residents need to know.
Wind Gusts and Rising Temperatures
The island is experiencing a rare weather phenomenon for mid-February, with temperatures climbing as high as *23°C. However, the warmth is accompanied by violent wind gusts. In the northern parts of Crete, wind speeds have been clocked at over 100 km/h, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Fire Department on High Alert
The Fire Service has been kept busy since the early hours of the morning. So far, teams have responded to at least 10 emergency calls involving:
* Fallen trees and branches blocking parts of the BOAK (Northern Road Axis of Crete).
* Incidents in the northern areas of **Chania and Rethymno**.
* Falling objects from balconies in urban centers.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far, but authorities are urging citizens to secure loose items on their balconies and avoid standing under trees or signs.
Health Warning: High Levels of African Dust
The Region of Crete has issued a formal health warning regarding air quality. Concentrations of suspended particles (PM10) are expected to exceed 150 μg/m³, a level classified as a high atmospheric load.
Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, are advised to:
* Limit outdoor physical activity.
* Stay indoors as much as possible.
* Consult a doctor if they experience symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
Residents can monitor air quality in real-time through the official Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Region of Crete.
Travel and Infrastructure Update
Despite the challenging conditions, flight operations at Heraklion “Nikos Kazantzakis” Airport are currently proceeding as scheduled. However, travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for any last-minute changes due to the wind.
Stay Safe
The authorities remain on standby as the weather front continues to move across the island. If you are traveling on the BOAK or moving through Chania and Rethymno, exercise extreme caution.
Winter Storm Alert: Major Greek Ports Closed as Gale-Force Winds Hit the Aegean
If you were planning to travel by sea today, you might need to change your plans. An emergency weather bulletin is currently in effect across Greece, with gale-force winds causing significant disruptions to maritime traffic and leading to a prohibition of departure (travel ban) at several major ports.
Here is the latest update on the situation and what you need to know about your tickets.
Which Ports are Affected?
The Hellenic Coast Guard has issued restrictions due to the intensity of the winds at sea. As of this afternoon, the status is as follows:
* Port of Piraeus: All departures are suspended until at least 17:00 (5:00 PM). A further assessment will be made then to determine if it is safe for ships to sail.
* Saronic Gulf: A travel ban is currently in effect for all routes heading to the Saronic islands.
* Port of Rafina: Scheduled departures to Marmari and the Cyclades have been canceled. Authorities are expected to provide a new update for the 18:00 (6:00 PM) evening route depending on weather developments.
* Northern Greece: The line between Alexandroupoli and Samothrace remains closed as dangerous conditions make sailing impossible.
What to Do If Your Trip is Canceled
If your ferry has been grounded due to the weather, you aren’t stuck without options. According to Greek maritime regulations and standard company policies, passengers generally have three choices:
1. Full Refund: You are entitled to a 100% refund of your ticket price. You will need to present your physical or electronic ticket to the travel agency or the ferry company’s central office to process the return via cash or bank transfer.
2. Open-Date Ticket: You can convert your ticket into an “Open” ticket. These are typically valid for up to one year and can be used for a future trip with the same company, provided there is availability.
3. Rescheduling: You may change your travel date or, in some cases, your destination to a different route operated by the same company without penalty, subject to seat availability.
Important Advice for Travelers
The weather situation remains dynamic. Winds can pick up or die down quickly, meaning travel bans can be extended or lifted with very little notice.
* Call Before You Go: Do not head to the port without confirming your trip. Contact your local port authority or your travel agent first.
* Check Digital Channels: Most ferry companies (such as Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, etc.) send SMS alerts to passengers who provided a mobile number during booking. You can also check the official Coast Guard website for real-time updates.
* Stay Safe: If you are near coastal areas, be aware of high waves and strong gusts.
