Mediterranean Hurricanes ("Medicanes")

Cyclone Daniel devastates Greece

If you’ve never heard the term “Medicane” before, you’re not alone.

Mediterranean coastal regions are on high alert as Mediterranean hurricanes, also known as "Medicanes," become an increasingly concerning weather phenomenon.

Cyclone Daniel struck Greece last week, killing at least seven people with more than 800 rescued from rising water.

On the heels of a historic and devastating series of wildfires, Greek officials didn’t hold back in how the severe weather has impacted their country.

“Our country finds itself, for the third day, dealing with a phenomenon the likes of which we have not seen in the past,” Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said. He noted that some areas received more than twice the average annual rainfall of Athens in the space of 12 hours.

Above: Floodwaters in the Pelion region last Tuesday (source: AP).

In recent years, these cyclonic storms have made headlines for their unpredictability and potential for destruction, prompting authorities and researchers to reevaluate their approach to disaster preparedness.

Medicanes are tropical-like cyclones that form in the Mediterranean Sea.

They typically develop during the fall and early winter when sea surface temperatures are relatively warm and atmospheric conditions are conducive for their formation.

While Medicanes share some characteristics with traditional hurricanes, they are smaller in size and have distinct formation processes.

They’re also incredibly rare, but have been increasing in frequency lately.