Zakynthos, Greece — October 1, 2025
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 was recorded off the southwestern coast of Zakynthos early this morning, prompting brief concern but no reports of damage or injuries. According to the National Observatory of Athens, the tremor occurred at 5:49 a.m. local time, with an epicenter located 12 kilometers west-southwest of Keri, at a depth of 18 kilometers.
The quake was felt mildly across the island, particularly in coastal areas, where some residents reported a brief jolt during the early hours. However, there was no cause for alarm, and life on the island quickly returned to normal.

Strong Infrastructure, Steady CommunityZakynthos lies in a region of high seismic activity and has experienced stronger tremors in the past. Thanks to modern building regulations and decades of engineering experience, local infrastructure is built to withstand seismic events of this magnitude and beyond.
“Our buildings are constructed with earthquakes in mind,” said a spokesperson for the local municipal authority. “This morning’s event was well within the safety range of our structural standards.”
The Zakynthian community, well accustomed to the island’s geological character, responded with its trademark composure. Residents and local officials remain unconcerned, while keeping a close eye on seismic updates as a routine safety measure.
Ongoing Monitoring, No Cause for AlarmSeismologists are continuing to monitor the region for possible aftershocks, though no significant secondary activity has been reported at this time. Experts note that earthquakes of this size are common in the Ionian Sea and typically pose minimal risk to populated areas, especially when they occur offshore and at moderate depth.
There have been no disruptions to transportation, tourism, or daily life on the island.


A Reminder, Not a ThreatWhile the tremor served as a reminder of Zakynthos' dynamic geology, it also highlighted the island’s preparedness and resilience. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to remain informed but reassured.
The situation remains stable, and no emergency measures have been enacted.

Visitors and locals in Zakynthos, Greece, should brace for unsettled autumn weather as a spell of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms moves across the Ionian Islands in early October. According to the latest forecasts, October 2nd and 3rd will bring a significant shift from the typically mild and pleasant conditions the island is known for during the fall season.

Thursday, October 2: Heavy Showers and ThunderstormsThe day is expected to start off relatively mild, but skies will be mostly cloudy with heavy showers occurring in the morning, followed by intermittent rainfall into the afternoon. Some brief breaks of sun may appear between showers, but the overall tone of the day will be grey and damp.
Temperatures will remain moderate, with a high around 21°C (70°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F). However, a Yellow Warning has been issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) for thunderstorms affecting the Ionian Islands — including Zakynthos — between 10:00 PM and 2:59 AM EEST. Residents and travelers are advised to take precautions, particularly in open or elevated areas, due to the risk of lightning and localized flooding.

Friday, October 3: Windy and Cooler with Showers Throughout the DayThe unstable weather will persist into Friday, with conditions turning markedly cooler and windier. The forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies and periods of rain, with brief showers possible in the morning and more persistent rainfall expected in the afternoon.
Temperatures will drop slightly, with a high of just 17°C (62°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F). The strong winds will add to the chill, making the day feel even cooler than it is. Those venturing outdoors are encouraged to wear layers and carry waterproof clothing, as sudden rain bursts and gusty winds may disrupt outdoor plans.


Travel & Safety Advice

• Avoid open terrain and elevated areas during the thunderstorm warning on the night of October 2.
  
• Exercise caution when driving or walking on slippery surfaces.
  
• Strong winds on October 3 could affect boating, beach activities, and outdoor excursions.
  
• Keep an eye on local weather updates and alerts from our Civil Protection Unit. 
  
  

While Zakynthos is no stranger to changing weather in October, the forecast for October 2–3, 2025, is notably stormy and unsettled. If you're on the island during this time, it’s wise to adjust your plans accordingly — and perhaps swap beach days for indoor sightseeing, cultural tours, or a cozy meal with that perfect view. 

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is currently making waves in the international military community with its participation in 4 major exercises aimed at boosting operational readiness and interoperability. The sound of their aircraft was even heard loud and clear in Zakynthos, too.
In the Multinational Exercise "VOLFA 2025" at Mont de Marsan Air Base in France, the 337th Squadron has deployed 4 F-16s to showcase their skills and enhance combat capability from September 22 to October 10.

Next on the agenda is the NATO Tiger Meet 2025, also known as NTM 25, at Beja Air Base in Portugal. The 335th Squadron is representing HAF with 4 F-16s in this prestigious event running from September 19 to October 3.
Meanwhile, the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at Los Llanos Air Base in Albacete, Spain sees the 341st Squadron in action with 4 F-16s from September 11 to October 3. This exercise is crucial for honing leadership skills and improving tactical capabilities.​

Last but not least, the European Spartan Exercise 2025 (ESE 25) is happening at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria. The Hellenic Air Force has deployed C-27J aircraft for this event which runs from September 22 to October 3.
The simultaneous participation in these 4 international exercises demonstrates the Hellenic Air Force's increased capabilities and effectiveness on the global stage. Not only does it showcase their skills and prowess, but also underscores their vital role in enhancing deterrence and international cooperation. The HAF's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence is evident in its active involvement in these exercises, setting a high standard for other air forces to follow. And the sound of their aircraft can even be heard loud and clear in Zakynthos, showcasing the HAF's presence and impact.
​source:- HAF.gr

Travelers planning to fly in or out of Greek airports on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, can breathe a sigh of relief — all flights will operate as scheduled, despite a nationwide strike originally planned to include air traffic controllers.
What Happened?
The Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (EEEKE), along with OSYPA and ENIMAEK, had announced their participation in the 24-hour strike declared by ADEDY, Greece’s civil servants’ union. However, a last-minute legal intervention has changed the course of events.



 Court Rules Participation Illegal.
According to an official announcement by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Single-Member Court of First Instance of Athens ruled that the participation of the above unions in the strike was illegal.
As a result, air traffic controllers will not be taking part in the industrial action.


What This Means for Travelers?
​If you have a flight scheduled on Wednesday, October 1st, you can proceed with your plans as normal. No flight delays or cancellations are expected due to strike action.
This decision comes as a significant relief for thousands of passengers, especially during a busy travel season and amid growing concerns over strike-related disruptions across various public services in Greece.
​

Final Travel Tips

• Check with your airline closer to your departure time, just in case of unrelated delays.
• Arrive at the airport early, as increased passenger volume may still affect security or check-in lines.
• Keep an eye on official updates from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (www.ypa.gr) or your airport's website.

Stay safe and happy travels!

The Hellenic Police have announced that a nationwide test of the Civil Defense alarm sirens will take place on Wednesday, October 1, as part of the annual military exercise “PARMENION-25.”
The test will involve all Civil Defense sirens across the country, and it is purely procedural. Authorities emphasize that there is no cause for public concern or alarm, as the activation is strictly a test of the emergency warning system.
In parallel with the sirens, church bells across Greece will also sound in a specific rhythm—a series of short chimes lasting approximately three minutes, synchronized with the siren alerts.


Details of the Siren TestAccording to the official schedule released by the Hellenic Police (ELAS), the sirens will be activated in stages across different regions. The test will include variations in duration, tone, and intensity to simulate different types of alerts, including:

• Air raid warning signals
  
• End-of-alert tones
  
• CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threat alerts
  

Indicative timing:

• At 11:00 a.m. local time, a nationwide air raid alert will sound.
  
• This will be followed by regional siren activations in sectors such as the Northeast, South, West, Central, and East.
  
• The testing program will conclude by 12:55 p.m. with the final warning and “end-of-alert” signals.
  

This simulation is designed to ensure the operational readiness and responsiveness of Greece’s Civil Defense system and to evaluate coordination between military and civilian authorities.
The “PARMENION” exercise is an annual large-scale national defense drill involving multiple branches of the armed forces and civil protection agencies.
source:- tanea.gr

Majority of Canceled Flights to Depart Today; No Serious Damage Reported on the Island
Zakynthos, Greece – Flights to and from Zakynthos that were canceled last night due to persistent low cloud cover are resuming operations from noon onwards today. Of the 27 flights affected, at least 24 are expected to proceed as planned. These flights include international routes to and from the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, France, as well as one domestic flight to Athens International Airport (El. Venizelos).
More than 90% of affected passengers spent the night in local hotels at no personal cost, thanks to coordination between local authorities and tourism services on the island.
Despite the two-day spell of bad weather, Zakynthos largely avoided serious incidents. This was credited to proactive measures taken by the Municipality, the Sub-Region, and the Civil Protection Agency. Key flood-prone areas—such as Lithakia, Agalas, and other vulnerable zones—were preemptively cleared and secured.
The only notable disruption occurred last night in Alykanas, where a road was flooded for over three hours. Twelve tourists staying at a nearby hotel requested relocation after water began entering the property’s courtyard. Authorities quickly responded, and the guests were safely transferred.

Additionally, on the Agalas–Lithakia road, where concerns had been highest, a minor landslide involving gravel and soil was reported. The incident was swiftly managed by Civil Protection crews already stationed in the area with heavy machinery on standby.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, but normalcy has largely returned to the island.
source:- Hmera Zakynthos. 

A notable change in weather is on the horizon, with widespread unsettled conditions expected to set in from next Thursday onward. According to the latest run of the GFS forecast model, a general deterioration in weather is anticipated across the region.
Other major forecasting models are also aligning with this trend, though there are natural variations in the projected path and intensity of the approaching system.
The key takeaways remain consistent: a high probability of widespread rainfall, a sharp drop in temperatures, and overall unstable conditions. As the forecast continues to evolve and newer data becomes available, we will provide timely updates with more specific details here in the group. Stay tuned and stay prepared.
​source:- Meteo

Heavy rainfall that began early this morning has brought significant disruptions to traffic and daily life across Zakynthos, creating hazardous conditions and prompting a strong response from local authorities.
One of the hardest-hit areas is the road to Agalas in Lithakia, where debris—including gravel, stones, and large volumes of water—has completely covered the roadway, posing serious risks to drivers. Civil Protection teams from the Municipality of Zakynthos are actively working at the scene to manage the situation, while Zakynthos Traffic Police are also present due to a high volume of vehicles. Authorities are urging all drivers to exercise extreme caution and reduce their speed.

Elsewhere, the Zakynthos–Alykon provincial road, from the Mandolatos factory to Alykanas, has been closed entirely due to severe flooding. According to local reports, water levels have risen quickly, making the area impassable.
Municipal services remain on high alert as new problems continue to emerge. Residents are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel until the extreme weather conditions subside.

The impact of the storm has also extended to Zakynthos Airport, where nearly all scheduled flights have been canceled or delayed. Since 12:00 p.m., no departures have taken place, largely due to poor visibility. Several flights that had been rescheduled earlier in the day were ultimately canceled, leaving many travelers stranded. Arriving flights have faced similar disruptions.
As the adverse weather continues, both residents and visitors are being asked to remain patient and prioritize safety.
Zakynthos Informer has more on the blog below:- 

It’s been confirmed, that industrial action by the Greek Air Traffic Controllers' Association will happen on October 1st, 2025.
 
The timing will be from 00:01 (one minute past midnight) to 24:00 (midnight) local time.
 
Flight schedules will be affected, so the advice is to keep an eye out for further updates and speak to your airline and travel companies for any disruption to your scheduled flight.
 
 
The official announcement says:
The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Association informs the public that the Board of Directors calls on its members to participate in the 24-hour strike of the A.D.E.D.Y. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 00:01 to 24:00.
 
During the strike, only the following categories of flights will be served, in order to ensure the basic needs of society as a whole:

• Flights that cross the Athens FIR

 

• Flights that transport Heads of State and Prime Ministers

 

• Air Force flights in the context of operational missions or scheduled exercises

 

• Flights of aircraft in a state of emergency or facing unusual situations

 

• Hospital flights

 

• Humanitarian aid flights

 

• Search and rescue flights

 

Other potential flight disruptions
Fraport Greece has also announced that, as of 25 September 2025, the number of planes allowed to enter Athens airspace have been reduced. This has been implemented by Air Traffic Control of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.
 
These airspace restrictions might lead to delays in the current flight schedules. So once again the advice is to keep an eye out for further updates and all travellers speak to their airline and travel companies for any potential changes in scheduled flights.
 
As always keep an eye on our socials for updates.
 
​Source: Fraport and local news

​An atmospheric disturbance will manifest itself in our country from Italy, due to the high pressure over Northern Europe, significantly affecting the Mediterranean. Based on the latest data, a drop in temperature of up to 8 degrees below is expected from today, keeping the temperature up to a little below the normal data for the season.

Starting tomorrow, Saturday (27.09.25) in the afternoon, a storm system will commence in our country, with the main characteristics being heavy rains, intense storms and gale force winds that will reach up to 8 Beaufort, according to meteorologists' forecasts for the last 24 hours.

Today at noon, according to meteorologist Theodoros Kolidas, an emergency bulletin will be issued by the Hellenic Meteorological Service, which will provide more details on where the bad weather will "hit" most intensely.
At the moment forecasts suggest that Zakynthos Ilia, Achaia and Messinia will be in the crossline. Thus causing heavy downpours from Saturday night onwards. Other forecasts suggest that the brunt of the storm will take place at sea, further south. Nevertheless, a warning for Zakynthos and western - northwestern Peloponnese is worth more than enough, primarily for flooding phenomena.
Below we can see the forecasts from this evening with a height being on Sunday just after midnight then again intensifying around six o'clock in the evening. 

Zakynthos Informer will update as news bulletins come through. 
​source:-  CNN.gr