Leros coastguard on alert as severe storms threaten Dodecanese islands

Coastguard authorities on the Greek island of Leros have been placed on heightened alert ahead of severe weather expected to hit the Dodecanese from Sunday afternoon, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and possible hail forecast to continue into Monday evening.

In an urgent notice issued on Saturday, 31 October, the Leros Port Authority announced precautionary measures and called on emergency services, fishing associations and maritime organisations to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions.

Personnel from seven Hellenic Coast Guard vessels have been placed on standby, ready to assist ships, small boats and anyone who may find themselves in difficulty at sea.

Military authorities have also been instructed to step up surveillance of waters under their jurisdiction and immediately report any incidents requiring emergency assistance.

Local police, fire services and Leros hospital have been asked to remain on alert, while the municipality and the island's Municipal Port Fund have been instructed to prepare for possible emergency operations.

Fishermen and boat owners urged to avoid going to sea

The authorities have issued a specific warning to local sailing clubs and commercial fishing associations, urging them to advise their members to refrain from activities at sea while the severe weather warning remains in force.

The notice has also been circulated to private marinas, boatyards and other maritime facilities across the island, as well as the Leros Coastal Fishing Association and Leros Nautical Club.

The coastguard station on the neighbouring island of Lipsi has been instructed to take similar precautionary measures.

According to the weather warning, locally heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected across the Dodecanese from the afternoon of Sunday, 1 November, until the evening of Monday, 2 November, with isolated hailstorms also possible.

The Leros Port Authority has called on all relevant agencies to maintain close communication and remain ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies as the adverse weather moves across the region.

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