Dodecanese placed on ‘red code’ alert as severe weather threatens Greek islands

The Dodecanese islands have been placed on “red code” emergency alert for Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 November 2026, as Greek authorities prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions across the region.

The alert was activated by Greece's Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, prompting the South Aegean regional authorities to urge residents and visitors to restrict their journeys to those that are absolutely essential.

Officials have called for heightened vigilance over the two-day period, warning that severe weather could pose risks to public safety and disrupt everyday activities.

Residents urged to take precautions

The South Aegean Region's Civil Protection Directorate has issued three key recommendations:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, particularly journeys or activities that could expose people to dangerous conditions.
• Exercise extra caution when travelling or spending time outdoors.
• Follow official advice and monitor announcements from the authorities as the weather situation develops.

The regional authorities stressed that protecting human life and ensuring public safety remain their overriding priorities.

Emergency coordination meeting convened

An emergency meeting of the South Aegean Regional Operational Civil Protection Coordination Body (PESOPP) was convened to assess the situation and coordinate the response of public services and emergency organisations.

The meeting was chaired by Christos Efstratiou, the Deputy Regional Governor responsible for Civil Protection in the Dodecanese.

The discussions focused on operational readiness, cooperation between the relevant authorities and arrangements for a swift response to any incidents arising from the severe weather.

South Aegean Regional Governor George Hatzimarkos also attended the meeting by video link from abroad.

Local councils to decide whether schools should close

Decisions on possible school closures will be made by individual municipalities, rather than imposed automatically across the Dodecanese.

Local authorities will assess conditions in their respective areas and determine whether schools can operate safely as the weather develops.

The red code designation places the region's emergency response services on a heightened state of readiness. It does not, in itself, mean that schools will close or that all travel is prohibited.

Residents and visitors are being advised to remain alert, limit unnecessary journeys and follow further guidance from the relevant authorities throughout Monday and Tuesday.