The Regional Civil Protection Secretariat of the Ionian islands has issued a warning on Thursday afternoon urging the restriction of people’s movement at the island of Zakynthos from Thursday evening until late night Friday, as Mmedicane “Ianos” is approaching the region, state-run news agency amna reported.
The Regional government of the Ionian island is reportedly urging also the residents of Kefalonia and Ithaca to remain at home from Thursday night until Friday night.
IANOS is expected to strike Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos Thursday midnight, state broadcaster ERT reported at 9:00 p.m..
Weather forecasts predict winds reaching hurricane-force Category 1 strength and forceful winds that could exceed 200 km/h.
Huge amounts of rainfall could lead to dangerous flash floods.
Many villages in Zakynthos and Kefalonia are facing small-scale problems with electricity supply, but those were reportedly repaired, while at Ithaca a power line caught fire but was repaired shortly afterwards.
Schools at all three islands will not open on Friday.
Ferry routes to and from Kyllini-Zakynthos and Kyllini-Kefalonia are suspended.
#medicane #ianos #janus just starting to affect #zakynthos Island. pic.twitter.com/IEA5Vvrbgt
— Constantine (@Constantine_Sin) September 17, 2020
Heavy trucks, trailers and buses barred from national highway
Heavy trucks, trailer trucks and buses are barred from using the national highway in western Greece, Deputy Minister for Civil Protection and Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias said on Thurday, ahead of the landfall of Medicane “Ianos”.
Hardalias said that the above traffic restrictions will be in effect from 21.00 on Thursday to the same time on Friday.
Olympia Odos will remain open until the situation is reassessed on midday Friday.
The Ionian Islands and the prefectures of Achaia, Ilia and Messinia in the Peloponnese and Aitoloakarnania in western Greece are on high alert.
Medicane Ianos is forecast to hit Attica and Athens on Friday.
