Storms knock out power grid in Arcadia, block Athens streets

Sudden downpours in the early hours of Tuesday that were accompanied by blasts of thunder and lighting knocked out the power grid supplying half of the Arcadia region in the Peloponnese, sinking the area, which includes the town of Tripoli, into darkness.

The pylon damaged by lightning was repaired by Public Power Corporation crews within an hour and supply was resumed.

In Athens, meanwhile, downpours flooded several main thoroughfares in and around the city center, causing major traffic jams, while the fire services was also called in to pump water out of several properties.

Downpours are expected to persist in various parts of the country throughout the week, with Athens forecast to see brief showers through the weekend as well.