Violent Burst Of Wind Hits Alexandroupoli
A sudden and intense weather phenomenon caught Alexandroupoli by surprise as a powerful downburst swept into the city. Meteorologist Theodoros Antonopoulos described the event as a sharp burst of wind strong enough to create serious problems across urban areas. The phenomenon developed from storm clusters west of Samothraki in the North Aegean around 18:30 before racing toward the coast at high speed.
The weather system reached Alexandroupoli at 19:02, delivering extreme winds that peaked at 154 km h at the port and 130 km h at the airport. Its most violent phase lasted only 10 to 15 seconds, making prediction nearly impossible. Such downbursts typically occur during summer when temperature contrasts generate intense storms.
Antonopoulos emphasized that no injuries or accidents were recorded, something he attributed partly to timing and partly to the rapid emergence of the destructive air mass which left no opportunity for a 112 alert. He added that similar downburst formations are commonly associated with summer squalls rather than winter conditions.
Emergency Response Mobilized Overnight
Fire Service commander Paschalis Chourteroudis reported that 22 crews were mobilized immediately to address the aftermath. Throughout the night, 48 firefighters and 5 officers worked continuously to cut and remove fallen trees following onsite assessments. Priority was given to high risk areas including the city campground as well as the Independence and Scout parks.
Fire service teams continued operations into the following day while also assisting with issues involving the power grid operator DEDDIE. Municipal authorities collaborated with lumber crews from 3 forest cooperatives to clear broken trees. Additional private machinery and vehicles were brought in to speed up the process.
Mayor Highlights Safety Measures And Recovery Efforts
Mayor Giannis Zampoukis stressed that restoring safe road conditions was the city’s top priority. Clearing debris such as bins, glass, branches, and wind damaged objects was essential, along with completing tree removal and inspecting schools and sports facilities to ensure safe reopening. He noted that the phenomenon was both sudden and unpredictable, leaving no margin for advance warnings to the public.
The mayor urged residents to limit movement, avoid the coastal road, and stay out of parks and playgrounds until conditions fully stabilized. Citizens affected by the event can visit the city hall to report property damage to the municipal committee. A team from the Natural Disaster Recovery Directorate DAEFK is expected to arrive to assess destruction and initiate support measures as quickly as possible.
