Forecasters are warning that a tropical-like cyclone is due to hit Greek islands, bringing gale-force winds and possible landslides.

The storm has been labelled a 'Medicane', which combines the words Mediterranean and hurricane.

The poor weather is being caused by an area of low pressure developing in the Mediterranean Sea off the northern coast of Africa.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding in Tunisia and Libya over the last week have killed at least five people.

The storm is expected to hit islands in the Ionian Sea, to the southwest of the Greek mainland, on Friday.

Sky's weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "There is some uncertainty on the track of this storm, but parts of southeast Europe and northeast Libya will see damaging winds, dangerous seas and significant rainfall.

"At the moment, southern Greece looks most at risk this weekend, particularly Crete.

"This system is capable of bringing severe gales, along with up to 250mm of rain in 24 hours."

She added that flash flooding and landslides are possible.

Most schools have already been closed and ferries on some islands have remained in ports, severing their connections to the mainland.

Trees have fallen on power lines in the northern suburbs of Athens, while the fire department said it received more than 350 calls to remove debris.

Authorities in the Saronic municipality near Athens, on the Ionian island of Zakynthos and the Aegean islands of Tinos, Andros and Mykonos ordered schools to remain shut.

The last notable Medicane was back in 2014, bringing gusts of up to 96mph in Malta. </s> The Medicane – meaning Mediterranean hurricane – has similar qualities of hurricanes and typhoons and has already caused flash flooding across Tunisia and Libya over the past few days. It has now moved north to the Mediterranean and towards Europe. The storm will cause the sea to pick up more tropical-like features normally associated with hurricanes. These include gale-force winds and even an eye in its centre.

Areas of Greece and Turkey will be hit with heavy rains and very strong winds. The system is expected to move slowly over Crete and southern Greece on Saturday before picking up speed and heading into western Turkey on Saturday. Slow moving storms heighten the risk of dangerous flooding, with devastation caused in the US early this year as hurricanes Harvey and Florence creeped through eastern states. On Crete and other souther Greek islands, just four to six inches of rain could fall and lead to flash flooding.

Other cities such as Kalamata in Greece and Izmir in Turkey could see two to three inches of rain. But fortunately the Medicane will likely get absorbed into the upper-level jet streat and will not linger over southeastern Europe. This will limit the amount of flooding from the storm.

Only about 1-2 Medicanes occur per year, according to 2011 study published by several academics and a researcher from the Institute of Coastal Research. The powerful storms usually happen during September and October when sea surface temperatures are still quite warm, but they can occur at any time of the year. </s> A powerful and rare hurricane-like storm is set to hit the eastern Mediterranean this weekend.

The hybrid storm, often called a “Medicane” (Mediterranean + hurricane) has features similar to hurricanes and typhoons, CNN reported on Friday.

According to a study published in 2011, only about one or two “Medicanes” occur per year.

These powerful storms usually happen during the months of September and October, when sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean are still quite warm, although they can occur at any time of year.

The current storm triggered flash flooding across Tunisia and Libya over the past few days before moving north over the Mediterranean towards Europe.

Over the sea, the storm is likely to pick up more tropical-like features normally associated with hurricanes, such as gale-force winds and even an eye in its centre.

The system is expected to move slowly over the island of Crete and southern Greece on Saturday before picking up speed and heading into western Turkey on Sunday.

Areas of Greece and Turkey will be hit with heavy rains and very strong winds.

The Medicane will likely get absorbed into the upper-level jet stream and will not linger over southeastern Europe, which will limit the amount of flooding from the storm. </s> London, Sep 28 (IANS) A powerful and rare hurricane-like storm is set to hit the eastern Mediterranean this weekend.

The hybrid storm, often called a “Medicane” (Mediterranean + hurricane) has features similar to hurricanes and typhoons, CNN reported on Friday.

According to a study published in 2011, only about one or two “Medicanes” occur per year.

These powerful storms usually happen during the months of September and October, when sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean are still quite warm, although they can occur at any time of year.

The current storm triggered flash flooding across Tunisia and Libya over the past few days before moving north over the Mediterranean towards Europe.

Over the sea, the storm is likely to pick up more tropical-like features normally associated with hurricanes, such as gale-force winds and even an eye in its centre.

The system is expected to move slowly over the island of Crete and southern Greece on Saturday before picking up speed and heading into western Turkey on Sunday.

Areas of Greece and Turkey will be hit with heavy rains and very strong winds.

The Medicane will likely get absorbed into the upper-level jet stream and will not linger over southeastern Europe, which will limit the amount of flooding from the storm. </s> Meteorologists are warning of a high probability of a tropical-like cyclone forming in off the coast of Greece, as gale-force winds continue to batter the country and force the closure of schools.

The Mediterranean hurricane, also known as a medicane, is likely to form in the Ionian Sea to the southwest of the Greek mainland tomorrow.

Holidaymakers in Greece and Turkey are bracing for torrential rain and winds of up to 100mph.

Some parts of the island of Sicily and Greece could see three inches of rain, reported Weather.com.

Medicanes are tropical-like thunderstorms which occur once or twice a year.

Although most do not have hurricane strength, forecasters say this one may reach a similar strength to a Category 1 hurricane.

While this is the lowest on the scale used to measure hurricane intensity, storms at this level can still cause significant damage to weakly rooted trees, unanchored buildings or mobile homes.

BBC weather presenter Ben Rich explained last night that the storm is 'driven in part by the very warm waters of the Mediterranean sea but also a blob of cold air high up in the atmosphere.'

The Medicane is set to strike tourist hotspots this week, with ferries stuck in ports today, severing islands' connection to the mainland.

Trees have fallen on power lines in the capital's northern suburbs, while the fire department said it received more than 350 calls to remove debris.

Authorities in the Saronic municipality near Athens, on the Ionian island of Zakynthos and the Aegean islands of Tinos, Andros and Mykonos ordered schools to remain shut. </s> These incredible images show a rare cyclone called 'Medicane' which is currently careering across the Mediterranean and set to batter Greece and Turkey this weekend.

Meteorologists are warning that the tropical-like storm is likely to develop features normally associated with a hurricane such as gale-force wings and a fiery eye at its centre.

Medicanes – a combination of the words Mediterranean and hurricane – are most likely during the autumn when the sea is warmer than 59F (15C).

These hybrid storms only occur once or twice a year in the Mediterranean, normally in September or October.

Holidaymakers in Greece and Turkey are bracing for torrential rain and winds of up to 100mph (160kmh).

The Mediterranean hurricane is likely to form in the Ionian Sea to the southwest of the Greek mainland today.

However, these storms cannot officially be called hurricanes, according to Sarah Fecht from Columbia University.

'Medicanes have a lot in common with tropical storms, with strong winds spinning around a core and torrential rainfall', she wrote in her blog, which was spotted by Forbes.

'In 2014, Medicane Qendresa hit Malta with sustained winds of up to 70 miles per hour and gusts of up to 95mph.

'Nevertheless, the waters of the Mediterranean aren’t extensive or warm enough to sustain the strength needed to call these storms legitimate hurricanes', she said.

Although they form over warm waters they do not require the same degree of warmth as a proper hurricane.

Medicanes can develop in water that is warmer than 59F (15C), where as a hurricane requires sea temperature to be at least 80F (27C).

The storm has triggered flash flooding across parts of north Africa over the past few days.

Some parts of the island of Sicily and Greece could see three inches of rain, reported Weather.com.

Although most do not have hurricane strength, forecasters say this one may reach a similar strength to a Category 1 hurricane.

While this is the lowest on the scale used to measure hurricane intensity, storms at this level can still cause significant damage to weakly rooted trees, unanchored buildings or mobile homes.

BBC weather presenter Ben Rich explained earlier this week that the storm is 'driven in part by the very warm waters of the Mediterranean sea but also a blob of cold air high up in the atmosphere.'

The Medicane is set to strike tourist hotspots this week, with ferries stuck in ports today, severing islands' connection to the mainland.

Trees have fallen on power lines in the capital's northern suburbs, while the fire department said it received more than 350 calls to remove debris.

Authorities in the Saronic municipality near Athens, on the Ionian island of Zakynthos and the Aegean islands of Tinos, Andros and Mykonos ordered schools to remain shut. </s> (CNN) People in Greece and Turkey are bracing themselves for a rare and powerful hurricane-type storm in southern Europe's Mediterranean region, due to hit this weekend.

The storm, often called a "Medicane" (Mediterranean + hurricane) has features similar to hurricanes and typhoons.

Spectacular visible satellite animation of #Medicane in the Ionian sea right now, it continues organizing and deepening while moving north. Pressure at 994 mbar, sustained winds around 100 km/h. Source: @meteociel

Forecast track details: https://t.co/LvjXFASDeM pic.twitter.com/SJ62FsMzPX — severe-weather.EU (@severeweatherEU) September 28, 2018

According to a study published in 2011 , only about 1-2 "Medicanes" occur per year. These powerful storms usually happen during the months of September and October, when sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean are still quite warm, although they can occur at any time of year.

The current storm, called Zorba, triggered flash flooding across Tunisia and Libya over the past few days before moving north over the Mediterranean towards Europe.

A man walks alongside the Rafina Port during heavy storm in Athens, Greece on September 28.

Over the sea, the storm is likely to pick up more tropical-like features normally associated with hurricanes, such as gale-force winds and even an eye in its center.

Read More </s> Sept. 28 (UPI) -- An infrequent type of storm known as a "Medicane" -- because of its hurricane-like features and impact on the Mediterranean -- is on track for Greece and Turkey this weekend, forecasters said.

The storm in the south Ionian Sea early Friday was headed due north, according to Severe Weather Europe, but it's expected to take a sharp east-northeast turn Friday evening and move toward Greece early Saturday.

"It will then continue across southern Greece and effect both Peloponnese and Crete island with extremely severe winds and storms with flash floods threat," Severe Weather Europe said. "Medicane will be then traveling across Aegean sea on Sunday and make landfall in western Turkey."

"High risk for extreme rainfall amounts remains in place," it added, forecasting 10 to 20 inches of rain in some areas and nearly 30 in the eastern Peloponnese.

Peak wind gusts as strong as 93 mph, Category 1 hurricane strength, are forecast along the Medicane's track.

Greece is preparing for the storm threat, having already seen gale-force winds of more than 60 mph. Ferries remained in port Thursday, cutting off the connection between the Greek islands and the mainland, the Independent reported.

Strong winds have already uprooted trees onto power lines in Athens and the fire department has received 500 calls to remove debris. Schools in Athens also closed Friday and severe weather warnings were issued through Sunday.

The storm has already caused flash flooding across Tunisia and Libya.

Only about one to two "Medicanes" occur per year, according to a 2011 study, usually during September and October when Mediterranean Sea temperatures are warmest. </s> People in Greece and Turkey are bracing themselves for a rare and powerful hurricane-type storm in southern Europe’s Mediterranean region, due to hit this weekend.

The storm, often called a “Medicane” (Mediterranean + hurricane) has features similar to hurricanes and typhoons.

According to a study published in 2011, only about 1-2 “Medicanes” occur per year. These powerful storms usually happen during the months of September and October, when sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean are still quite warm, although they can occur at any time of year.

The current storm, called Zorba, triggered flash flooding across Tunisia and Libya over the past few days before moving north over the Mediterranean towards Europe.

Over the sea, the storm is likely to pick up more tropical-like features normally associated with hurricanes, such as gale-force winds and even an eye in its center.

The area currently most under threat are the Ionian islands on Greece’s western coast where the Hellenic National Meterological Office has put out a severe warning.

The system is expected to move slowly over the island of Crete and southern Greece on Saturday before picking up speed and heading into western Turkey on Sunday.

On Crete and other southern islands of Greece, as much as 4 to 6 inches (100 to 150 millimeters) of rain could fall, which could lead to flash flooding. Cities like Izmir, Turkey, and Kalamata, Greece, could see 2 to 3 inches (50 to 60 milllimeters).

That is cause for concern in the Aegean islands, including Lesbos, where thousands of refugees, many from Syria and Iraq, are being held in crowded conditions. Also under threat is the coastal area east of Athens recently devastated by the worst fires on record that killed 99 people.

A number of ferry services connecting Athens to the islands, were not allowed to operate for the last two days but have now largely resumed. Many flights were also grounded due to the strong winds.

Schools in Athens remained closed Friday for precautionary reasons after the gale force winds knocked out power lines in several Greater Athens areas while a felled tree destroyed the roof of a school in western Athens.

Civil protection services will be on alert throughout the weekend, the government said. Civilians have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.

Fortunately, the Medicane will likely get absorbed into the upper-level jet stream and will not linger over southeastern Europe, which will limit the amount of flooding from the storm.

Recent major systems such as hurricanes Harvey and Florence produced catastrophic flooding because of their slow-moving nature. </s> GALE-force winds, rain and hail storms struck the Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, killing six tourists and injuring at least 100 others.

Here’s the latest updates on the Greek storm that has devastated the area.

Halkidiki is a region in northern Greece most noted for its three capes – Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos.

It is just a 1.5 hour drive from the city of Thessaloniki.

Large parts of the region are wooded but also has sandy beaches which attract holidaymakers.

The most developed part is Kassandra which offers popular resorts and a lively night life.

There are a number of historic sites too, including Stageira, the birthplace of the philosopher Aristole and Olynthus which is noted for its ancient mosaic floors.

Will my holiday be affected?

The tourist region was devastated by a ferocious storm on July 10, 2019.

A total of six holidaymakers were killed including a toddler and an eight-year-old boy.

At least another 100 people were injured after the freak storms struck.

British holidaymakers were trapped in their hotels, buildings were damaged and cars were overturned in the carnage.

A 39-year-old man and a boy, aged two, who are believed to be from Russia, died after a tree fell on their vehicle, according to the Greek Reporter.

Two elderly Czech nationals were killed when strong winds swept away their travel trailer in Halkidiki, police said.

A woman and an eight-year-old boy, both from Romania, were killed after a roof collapsed on a restaurant in Nea Plagia.

‘ABSOLUTE CHAOS’ Brit mum tells how she fled powerful storms in Greece with her two kids A BRIT mum has told how she was forced to flee the deadly Greece storms last night with her two young children. Family travel blogger Emily revealed how everyone was caught off guard by the gale-force winds, saying she never seen “anything scarier”. She was at a hotel beach party in Halkidiki when the storm hit, cutting off the lights and power. “Our family got caught in severe and unexpected tropical storm in Halkidiki this evening that seemed to catch everyone off guard including our hotel,” Emily wrote on Twitter. “The storm hit very suddenly, killing the lights, all power, blowing down trees and everything around us. “There was wind, rain and sand lashing at us and it was absolute chaos with people (including children) screaming and running to find shelter. “We hid in the back of the bar for 10 minutes until water started coming in and rising by our feet. “With two young children with us we decided we had no choice but to make a run for it back to the hotel (5 minutes away) in the storm. “We ran with other families through roads with fallen trees and debris, barely able to see in the rain with our little ones bravely clinging to us.” Emily said they finally made it back to the hotel to find there was a blackout and lots more people and confusion. “It has taken some time, but we are finally back in our room (which was temporarily flooded) and I just wanted to say that I’ve never been caught in anything scarier,” she added.

Athansios Kaltsas, director of the Nea Moudania Medical Centre, said: "It is the first time in my 25-year career that I have lived through something like this. It was so abrupt, and so sudden."

Officials have declared a state of emergency in Halkidiki and Greece's newly appointed citizens' protection minister is due to visit this morning.

Meteorologist Klearxos Marousakis described conditions as "extremely unusual" for this time of year.

A “red code” has been put in place for entire regions of central and Eastern Macedonia which are due to be in place for at least 24 hours.

 The red code warns about dangerous rainfall and strong thunderstorms.

A state of emergency has been declared for Halkidiki.

It is expected there will be widespread disruption in the area in the near future as electricity to places such as Nea Plagia is restored due to fallen power lines.

Although there is no official advice about visiting the area people are warned to avoid the worst affected areas for the time being.
A Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone (also known as a "Medicane") strikes Greece near Kalamata, causing power outages and gale force winds near the capital Athens. In the storm's formative stages, heavy rains killed four people in Tunisia.