Orange weather alert remains in force as hail, strong winds and waterspouts hit several districts. Public urged to avoid travel.
Severe weather sweeping across Cyprus on Saturday caused widespread disruption, property damage and a surge in emergency calls, prompting authorities to issue a nationwide alert urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
An orange weather warning issued by the Department of Meteorology remains in force until 7 p.m., with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall, hail and strong winds affecting parts of the island.
The Fire Service received numerous calls for assistance as intense rainfall, strong winds and hailstorms struck several districts.
According to Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis, crews in Nicosia district had responded to about 10 incidents by midday.
The incidents involved fallen trees, dislodged objects, fires in open areas caused by lightning strikes and fires sparked by faults in electrical cables.
Damage reported across western Cyprus
The most significant damage was reported in the Polis Chrysochous area, where strong winds and heavy rain affected communities from Argaka to Pomos.
According to Polis Chrysochous district mayor Yiotis Papachristofi, damage was recorded to greenhouses, photovoltaic installations and beach infrastructure.
The worst-hit areas reported damage to at least one greenhouse, while problems were also observed at solar energy facilities.
Strong winds damaged umbrellas and sunbeds on the beaches of Pomos, Argaka and Agia Marina.
Trees were uprooted at several locations, causing disruption to the road network and prompting municipal crews to begin clearing operations.
Papachristofi said no significant damage had been reported within Polis Chrysochous itself, although strong winds and rainfall lasting about 40 minutes caused disruption across the wider district.
He urged the public to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and remain in safe locations until weather conditions improve.
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Nationwide alert issued
Civil Defence sent a nationwide CY ALERT message to mobile phones across Cyprus following the deterioration in weather conditions.
The alert urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow the instructions of the authorities.
Police had earlier reported hail, rainfall and strong winds in parts of the Polis Chrysochous area, while severe weather later spread to the districts of Larnaca, Famagusta and Limassol.
Authorities warned that rainfall rates could reach between 55 and 70 millimetres per hour in affected areas, with hail expected during thunderstorms.
Winds are forecast to become variable and strengthen temporarily during storm activity, producing powerful gusts.
Waterspouts spotted off Larnaca and Ayia Napa
Waterspouts were observed off Mackenzie beach in Larnaca and in a marine area near Ayia Napa as storm systems moved across the island.
The sudden deterioration in weather conditions prompted many beachgoers to leave coastal areas.
Meteorologists said a weather disturbance moving south from northern regions is affecting Cyprus, with some storm systems expected to be intense or prolonged.
Forecasters expect conditions to improve gradually overnight, although isolated showers remain possible in coastal areas.
Scenes from Mackenzie Beach in Larnaca:
Scenes from Famagusta region:
Public urged to take precautions
Civil Defence called on residents to limit unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions and ensure drains, gutters and rainwater systems around homes and workplaces are clear of debris.
Authorities also urged the public to secure outdoor objects that could be displaced by strong winds, avoid staying in basement areas during heavy rainfall and move immediately to higher ground if flooding occurs.
Members of the public were warned not to attempt to cross flooded roads on foot or by car, motorcycle or bicycle.
Drivers encountering flooded roads were advised to stop and change direction.
Officials also urged caution near power lines, unstable structures and areas at risk of landslides.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions as the severe weather warning remains in force across parts of the island.
Severe weather forecast
A weather disturbance moving south from northern regions has begun affecting Cyprus, with some weather systems expected to be intense or prolonged.
The department said conditions would initially be mostly fine with local cloud cover before deteriorating during the day, becoming mainly cloudy with rain and isolated thunderstorms.
Some thunderstorms are expected to be severe and accompanied by hail and gusty winds.
Winds will initially blow mainly from the northeast to southeast at 3 to 4 Beaufort, locally up to 5 Beaufort, before gradually shifting to northwesterly to northeasterly directions at 4 to 5 Beaufort and reaching 6 Beaufort at times in northern areas.
During thunderstorms, winds may change direction and strengthen temporarily with stronger gusts.
The sea is expected to be slight to rough.
Temperatures are forecast to reach around 30C inland and along the coast, and around 18C in the higher mountains.
Weather conditions are expected to improve gradually overnight, becoming mostly clear with periods of increased cloud. Isolated showers remain possible along eastern and northern coastal areas.
Temperatures will fall to around 21C inland, 23C on the coast and 14C in the higher mountains.
For Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, forecasters expect mainly fine weather across most of the island, although increased cloud developing after midday could trigger isolated showers and possibly isolated thunderstorms, mainly over mountainous areas, regions south of Troodos and potentially parts of the southeast.
Temperatures are expected to rise on Sunday but remain below seasonal averages, particularly inland and in mountainous areas, before returning to near normal levels by Tuesday.
