Torrential rains in Athens has turned streets into rivers, uprooted trees and flooded houses and stores.

The downpour in Greece's capital trapped commuters in their vehicles and overturning parked cars.

In some districts, cars were seen stacked one on top of another as the deluge swept them away.

Many desperate Athenians saw their properties flooded with dirty waters and in some cases had to climb on furniture to save themselves.

The fire brigade dispatched more than 150 firefighters and 70 fire engines to rescue trapped drivers and pump water from flooded basements. The service said it had received more than 500 emergency calls. There were no reports of injuries.

The National Weather Service said storms were expected to continue through today.