Newsflash from Wednesday, 21 January 2026:
Crete is facing severe weather conditions today as a powerful storm system sweeps across the island, prompting authorities to issue an emergency bulletin for dangerous meteorological phenomena.
According to official forecasts, the storm is bringing heavy rainfall, strong thunderstorms, and gale-force winds, creating hazardous conditions in both urban and rural areas. Meteorologists warn that the phenomena are potentially dangerous, urging residents and visitors to remain alert and limit unnecessary travel.
Rainfall is expected to be intense at times, increasing the risk of localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near riverbeds. Strong southeasterly winds, reaching up to 7–8 Beaufort in exposed areas and coastal zones, are also causing rough seas, with disruptions possible to ferry routes and maritime activities.#
While Crete is not expected to experience the most extreme conditions seen in other parts of the country, authorities stress that the island will still be significantly affected by persistent rain and stormy weather throughout the day. Mountainous areas may also see deteriorating conditions, making driving particularly dangerous.
Civil Protection services recommend that residents secure loose objects, avoid crossing flooded roads, and closely follow official updates. Special attention is advised for farmers, fishermen, and those living in areas prone to flooding or landslides.
The storm system is forecast to gradually weaken by Thursday, with weather conditions slowly improving across Crete. Until then, citizens are urged to exercise caution and stay informed through official announcements.
Stay safe and follow local guidance as Crete weathers this powerful storm.
Storm Grounds All Ferries: No Sailings to Crete as Severe Weather Persists
Travel to and from Crete has come to a standstill today as severe weather conditions have forced all ferry routes to remain suspended, leaving ships tied up at ports across the country.
According to port authorities, all passenger ferry services to Crete have been canceled due to adverse weather, with strong winds and worsening conditions expected to intensify throughout the day. Departures from the major ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio have all been halted, affecting routes not only to Crete but also to the Cyclades and other Aegean islands.
The suspension also extends to high-speed vessels serving the Saronic Gulf, with no itineraries operating at least until late afternoon. Gale-force winds and rough seas have made sailing unsafe, prompting authorities to prioritize passenger safety.
Travelers planning to journey to Crete are advised to remain in close contact with their ferry operators and port authorities for updates, as schedules will be reviewed once weather conditions improve. Passengers are also encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel to ports while the cancellations remain in effect.
Meteorologists expect the storm system to gradually ease over the coming days, which may allow ferry services to resume. Until then, disruptions are likely to continue, particularly for long-distance sea routes.
Passengers are urged to stay informed through official announcements and plan accordingly as Crete and the wider Aegean region contend with this period of severe weather.
Storm Chaos on Gavdos: Boats Sink and a Car Swept Into the Sea
Severe weather conditions have caused significant damage on the island of Gavdos, as powerful winds and rough seas led to boats sinking in the harbor and a car being dragged into the sea.
According to local reports, strong southerly to southwesterly winds reaching 6–7 Beaufort battered the island, placing immense strain on vessels moored at the small port. As a result, two boats sank after their moorings failed, while a parked car was swept away by the waves and ended up in the sea.
The intensity of the storm was clearly visible in videos circulating online, showing waves crashing forcefully into the harbor area. In one alarming incident, a migrant boat was carried by the waves, slammed into a sailboat that was on land, and finally came to a stop just one meter from the entrance of the temporary shelters where migrants are staying on the island. Due to an ongoing sailing ban, migrants have remained stranded on Gavdos since last Saturday.
Difficult conditions were also reported for the Frontex personnel stationed permanently on the island. In an effort to prevent their vessel from sinking, the four-member crew from Portugal climbed onto the inflatable boat and maneuvered continuously inside the harbor. Authorities feared that if the vessel were tied to the pier, it could be dragged under by the violent waves.
Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the storm continues to affect southern Crete and the surrounding islands. Residents and visitors are urged to remain cautious, avoid coastal areas, and follow official instructions until weather conditions improve.
The incident highlights once again the vulnerability of small islands like Gavdos to extreme weather, particularly during periods of strong winds and rough seas.
