Storm hits Greek capital with downpours, gale-force winds as it continues east [Live]

Mediterranean cyclone "Zorbas" shifted deeper into Greece on Saturday afternoon, bringing showers and gale-force winds to Athens, the central and northeastern Peloponnese and Evia, after tearing up trees and disgorging fishing boats and pleasure yachts across the coast of the southern Peloponnese.

The area that was hit the hardest was Messinia in the southeast of the Peloponnese peninsula, with the coastal capital of Kalamata and seaside villages like Methoni and Finikounda being inundated by waves. The gale-force winds and high seas were not unwelcome by everyone, however, as local media captured a few daredevil surfers riding the waves in the area of Marathopoli.

The region of Laconia also experienced similar problems, particularly in the towns of Stoupa, Gytheio and Aghios Nikolaos.

In the central and northern Peloponnese, meanwhile, authorities closed dozens...