Athens, 1 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) – A violent storm front over the central Mediterranean is causing major disruption in the Aegean and on Crete.

The authorities have warned residents in many regions, including Athens, via text message to "stay at home if possible."

Meteorologists warn that heavy rain is expected over the next few hours and until midnight Wednesday, comparable to the rainfall of three winter months.

In Crete, in addition to the stormy winds, there are currently extremely high levels of particulate matter due to Saharan dust.

According to the meteorological office, concentrations of over 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter of air have been recorded in some areas. The situation is also affecting air traffic, with Greek radio reporting that numerous flights to and from Crete have been canceled or diverted.

In the Cyclades and the Dodecanese islands of Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes and Kos, schools at all levels remain closed. Lessons are taking place online, Greek radio reported.

Numerous ferry services have been suspended as the strong winds pose a danger to shipping.

Wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour have been recorded in the southern Aegean, and waves over six meters high have been sighted in the south-east of the Aegean, local media reported.

Meteorologists expect the storm to continue until late Thursday evening.