The Attica region is bracing for a severe weather front. By order of Governor Nikos Hardalias, all educational institutions will be closed on Wednesday, January 21, with students shifting to remote learning. Emergency services have been placed on high alert.

Wednesday Under Weather Alert

The decision to suspend in-person classes was made on Tuesday following urgent consultations with the Risk Assessment Committee, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), and the Ministry of Civil Protection. The restrictions apply to both public and private schools across the entire capital region. Authorities emphasized that the priority is to prevent traffic gridlock and ensure thousands of children are not exposed to the severe storms.

“Child Safety is Non-Negotiable”

In an official statement, Governor Nikos Hardalias noted that prevention is the only effective tool against unpredictable weather. "Our responsibility toward our children allows for zero risk. When it comes to their safety, we must stay one step ahead of the threat," Hardalias stressed.

The Governor highlighted the logistical scale of the challenge: the Region organizes daily transportation for over 32,000 students. Keeping them off the roads during the peak of the rainfall is crucial for public safety.

EMY Forecast: Not Just a Typical Rainstorm

Meteorologists warn that the front reaching Attica around noon on Wednesday will bring extremely intense weather phenomena. While total rainfall may not break records, the intensity within a short window poses a real risk of:

• Local flooding and flash floods
• Gale-force winds disrupting pedestrian and vehicular traffic
• Heavy lightning and thunderstorms

Education Moves Online

Regional authorities emphasized that while physical buildings are closed, the learning process will not stop. Following official guidelines, schools are to activate online learning protocols, allowing the curriculum to continue without requiring students or teachers to travel.

At the same time, the highest level of operational readiness for civil protection services has been declared across the region.

• Infrastructure Monitoring: Regional coordination bodies are checking the capacity of drainage systems.
• Emergency Readiness: Civil protection units have been deployed to high-risk flood zones.

The situation is being monitored in real-time, and further decisions will depend on how the weather develops in the capital. Residents and tourists in the area are advised to follow emergency alerts sent via the 112 system.