Newsflash from Wednesday, 18 February 2026:
Crete is currently grappling with extreme weather conditions as stormy winds reaching up to 10 on the Beaufort scale sweep across the island. The intense weather front has already left a trail of destruction, uprooted trees, and caused significant disruptions to maritime travel, leaving many residents and visitors on high alert.
The severe weather conditions also affected travel, causing significant disruption to ferry services to and from Crete and delays to flights.
Trees Down and Property Damage
The sheer force of the winds has caused numerous problems across the island’s major cities and rural areas. In Heraklion and Chania, the Fire Service has been called to intervene in dozens of cases involving fallen trees and broken branches that have blocked roads and damaged parked vehicles.
Local authorities are urging citizens to be extremely cautious, avoid standing under trees or large signs, and secure any loose objects on balconies or in gardens that could be picked up by the gusts.
Maritime Travel at a Standstill
The most significant impact has been felt at the island’s ports. A prohibition of sailing has been issued for many routes due to the dangerous conditions at sea.
* Ferry Cancellations: Major shipping lines have cancelled scheduled departures from the ports of Heraklion and Souda (Chania) heading to Piraeus.
* Port Closures: Small vessels and fishing boats have been advised to remain moored, as waves in the Cretan Sea have reached heights that make navigation nearly impossible.
Travelers are strongly advised to contact their travel agents or the local port authorities before heading to the harbor, as schedules are expected to remain disrupted until the winds subside.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Issues
The gale-force winds have also put Crete’s electrical grid to the test. Scattered power outages have been reported in several mountainous villages and some suburban areas of Heraklion as falling branches have struck power lines. Technicians from the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) are working under difficult conditions to restore power as quickly as possible.
What Happens Next?
According to the latest meteorological data, the “stormy” conditions are expected to persist for several more hours before a gradual weakening of the phenomena. While the winds may drop to 7 or 8 Beaufort by tomorrow, the sea will remain rough for some time.
Safety Recommendations:
1. Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Stay indoors if possible until the peak of the storm passes.
2. Secure Your Property: Check awnings, shutters, and outdoor furniture.
3. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local news and weather updates for the lifting of the sailing ban.
The local civil protection services remain on high alert to deal with any emergencies as the island waits for the weather front to clear.
Are you currently in Crete? Stay safe and share your updates in the comments below. For emergency assistance, contact the Fire Service at 199.
Weather Rollercoaster: New Storm Front to Hit Crete for Carnival Weekend
If you were planning to celebrate Carnival under nothing but blue skies this weekend, you might want to keep an umbrella and a warm coat handy. According to the latest forecasts from meteorologists Thodoris Kolydas and Klearchos Marousakis, Crete and the rest of Greece are in for a significant weather shift starting this Friday.
Here is what you can expect for the coming days as we head toward Clean Monday.
A Brief Respite on Thursday
Following the recent bout of unstable weather, Thursday (February 19) is expected to be the “calm before the storm.” Most of the country, including Crete, will enjoy a temporary break with milder conditions and limited cloud cover. It is the perfect window to get any outdoor errands done before the next front arrives.
Friday: The Second Wave Hits
The reprieve will be short-lived. A new disturbance traveling from the west is set to hit Greece on Friday. This second wave will bring:
* Widespread rain and local thunderstorms.
* Strong winds, particularly affecting maritime travel and coastal areas.
* Increased humidity as the front moves across the island.
Carnival Weekend: A Sharp Temperature Drop
As we move into Saturday and Sunday—the peak of Carnival celebrations—the weather will take a wintry turn. A “classic northern current” will take over, ushering in polar air masses from the north.
Meteorologists predict a temperature drop of approximately 5 degrees Celsius. While the sun may peek through at times, the “dry cold” will be noticeable, especially at night and early in the morning. For those in the mountainous regions of Crete, the chill will be even more pronounced, with the possibility of light snow in higher altitudes across the mainland.
Clean Monday: The Silver Lining
There is good news for those looking forward to the traditional kite-flying and outdoor feasts of Clean Monday. Current data suggests that the weather will stabilize just in time for the holiday.
* Conditions: Generally clear and sunny across most of the country.
* Temperatures: Expected to hover around 14°C to 16°C, which is normal for the season.
* Winds: Northerly winds are expected to weaken, making it an ideal day for flying kites and enjoying the outdoors.
The Verdict
The upcoming holiday weekend will essentially be split into two phases: a rainy, cold start for the Carnival festivities, followed by a clear and pleasant Clean Monday.
If you are heading out for Carnival parades in Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion this Friday or Saturday, be prepared for rain and a biting wind. However, you can look forward to a beautiful, albeit crisp, Monday to wrap up the long weekend.
