Summary

The Municipality of Apokoronas and the Regional Administration of Chania have raised their highest alert level – Red Code – in response to an official severe weather warning covering Crete from the evening of September 30, 2026 through Sunday, October 4, 2026. Residents are urged to stay away from basements, coastal areas and riverbeds, and to avoid all travel by car or on foot during the worst of the storms. Emergency number 112 is available around the clock.

Red Alert: Dangerous Storms Expected Across Apokoronas Through Sunday

The Municipality of Apokoronas and the Regional Administration of Chania have placed themselves on the highest emergency footing – a Red Code mobilisation – ahead of a severe weather system forecast to sweep across Crete starting Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026.

The warning comes directly from Greece's National Meteorological Service, which issued a Special Bulletin on Dangerous Weather Phenomena on September 30, 2026. The risk of flooding is rated high across the Crete region from the evening of September 30 through Sunday, October 4, 2026.

What to Expect

The forecast points to two main hazards: localised heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, and very strong north-easterly winds. Either of these can quickly create dangerous conditions, particularly near the coast and along dry riverbeds that can fill rapidly with little warning.

What You Should Do

Authorities have issued clear guidance for residents and visitors:

Storms and flooding: If flooding threatens your area, move away from basements, seafront areas, streams and gorges without delay. Reschedule any non-essential travel – and under no circumstances drive or walk during the peak of the storm. Flooded roads and surging riverbeds are far more dangerous than they look.

Strong winds: Stay away from the sea, coastal paths and open countryside while the winds are blowing. Even sheltered spots near the coast can become hazardous in gusts.

For detailed safety guidelines from Greece's Civil Protection authority, visit: civilprotection.gov.gr

Emergency Numbers

112 – Pan-European emergency number

199 – Fire Service

100 – Police

108 – Coast Guard

166 – Ambulance service (EKAB)

Municipal Contacts

Mayor of Apokoronas: 6948375990

Georgios Markoulakis (Municipal officer responsible): 6974506195

Georgios Gyparakis (Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection): 6974016500

The authorities are asking everyone in the area to take this warning seriously, act on the advice given, and follow instructions from emergency services if the situation develops.

PRESS RELEASE – Dangerous weather phenomena in Crete from today, Wednesday 30 September 2026, through Sunday 4 October 2026

September 30, 2026, 2:24 PM

The Municipality of Apokoronas, in cooperation with the Regional Administration of Chania, is on heightened operational readiness (status: Red Code mobilisation) to deal with the approaching bad weather front and, wherever necessary, will act to address the problems faced by citizens, in accordance with the emergency plan (Plan Dardanos).

According to the Special Bulletin on Dangerous Weather Phenomena (ΕΔΕΚΦ) issued on Wednesday 30.09.2026 by the National Meteorological Service and the opinion of the Risk Assessment Committee for Weather Phenomena and All-Hazard Civil Protection Risks of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the risk of flooding phenomena is forecast to be high in the Region of Crete from the evening hours of today, Wednesday 30 September 2026, through Sunday 4 October 2026, with the following main characteristics:

a) locally intense rainfall and thunderstorms

b) very stormy north-easterly winds

We recommend that everyone exercise particular caution, take the necessary self-protection measures against dangers arising from the occurrence of intense weather phenomena, and follow the instructions of the Authorities for their self-protection.

In summary:

THUNDERSTORMS – FLOODING PHENOMENA In the event of possible flood risk, move away in good time from basements, coastal areas, or streams and torrents. Adjust your schedule and under no circumstances travel by vehicle or on foot at the peak of the phenomena.

STORMY WINDS When stormy winds occur, avoid activities in marine areas, coastal zones and the open countryside.

See critical information for your safety at: https://civilprotection.gov.gr/odigies-prostasias

Emergency Telephone Numbers:

112 EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER

199 FIRE SERVICE

100 HELLENIC POLICE

108 COAST GUARD

166 EKAB (National Emergency Medical Service)

Mayor of Apokoronas: 6948375990

Markoulakis Georgios (Responsible Officer, Municipality of Apokoronas): 6974506195

Gyparakis Georgios (Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection, Municipality of Apokoronas): 6974016500