Stormy autumn weather disrupted celebrations marking Greece’s October 28 national holiday on Wednesday, with student parades canceled in several regions amid forecasts of heavy rain, thunderstorms and flooding.

Rain and thunderstorms are expected across much of the country, with locally severe conditions in Thessaly, the Sporades islands, Evia, eastern Central Greece, the Cyclades, the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese. Snow is forecast in the mountains of central and western Greece.

Northerly winds will reach 30 to 50 kph, locally 60 kph over the seas and possibly 70 kph in the northern Aegean. Temperatures will fall, particularly in western and southern Greece, reaching 15 to 18 degrees Celsius on the mainland and 19 to 22 on the islands.

Temperatures in the Athens area are expected to range from 12 to 17 C, while Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, will see temperatures of 9 to 18 C.

Authorities have canceled student parades in several areas, while military parades and other commemorative events remain subject to weather conditions.

In the Thessaly region, Governor Dimitris Kouretas ordered the cancellation of all student parades in Magnesia, including the coastal city of Volos, and the northern Sporades islands. The decision, published on the government’s transparency portal, cited the risk posed by the forecast severe weather to participants and spectators.

The order applies only to student parades. Decisions on other commemorative events will be made by the relevant authorities, depending on weather conditions. A decision on the military parade in Volos is expected Wednesday.

In Evia, an island east of Athens, student parades have been canceled in several areas. In the island’s capital, Halkida, students and civilian groups will not march, while a military parade by the Army Infantry Academy’s marching company is expected to proceed. Student parades have also been canceled in the municipalities of Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna and Dirfys-Messapia.

Other official commemorations in Halkida, including a church service and wreath-laying ceremonies, will go ahead as scheduled.

In the Cyclades authorities have canceled the student parade and the participation of associations, organizations and clubs following a red alert for possible flooding across the islands.

All student parades in the Dodecanese have also been canceled. The islands are under heightened alert because of the risk of flooding.

In the Athens suburb of Agios Dimitrios, the municipal authorities canceled the parade for safety reasons. A church service at the Church of St Demetrios will take place as planned, with flag bearers from each school asked to attend at 10 am.

Greece marks October 28, known as “Ohi Day,” or “No Day,” to commemorate the country’s rejection of an ultimatum from fascist Italy in 1940, which led to its entry into World War II.

Source: Onthisday.com