Cyclone Ianos: Rare hurricane-like storm lashes Greece’s Ionian islands

The ‘Medicane’ is expected to hit the mainland later

Medicanes have become increasingly frequent in recent years (EPA)

A rare storm known as a 'medicane’ has made landfall in western Greece, causing power cuts and flooding on the Ionian islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Ithaca.

The fire brigade has received at least 60 calls for assistance, mostly related to uprooted trees and flooding in homes and shops. 

Kefalonia's mayor, Theofilos Michalatos, said no one has been injured but there had been damage to the island’s houses, transport infrastructure and water facilities. A boat also sank off the island.

Zakynthos and Ithaca have been affected similarly, with power outages impacting much of the region.

Storm Ianos was moving at a speed of 100 kph (62 mph) before hitting the island of Lefkada on Friday morning, according to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service.

It arrived on the western Peloponnese peninsula around noon.

"The cyclone will remain west, with the same intensity for 6-9 hours and then, weaker, will start moving to the south," Nikos Hardalias, the Deputy Citizen Protection minister, said.

Ianos may also hit central Greece, before moving on to the wider Athens region on Saturday. 

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service issued a weather warning for the Ionian islands, the Peloponnese and central Greece on Friday.

The medicane’s intensity and course is difficult to accurately predict, authorities said.

These storms were first observed in Greece in 1995, and have become increasingly common in recent years.