The Department of Meteorology has issued a new yellow weather warning, in force from 05:00 until 16:00 today, downgrading the alert level from orange as the intensity of the phenomena gradually weakens.
The warning αφορά a combination of rainfall and isolated thunderstorms, mainly affecting southern and eastern areas, and possibly northern and mountainous regions.
During thunderstorms, hail is possible, while winds are expected to be variable and occasionally strong.
Rainfall intensity may reach 35–55 millimetres per hour, with total precipitation estimated at around 50 millimetres within six hours.
Weather Outlook: Low Pressure System “BYRON”
The BYRON low-pressure system named continues to affect the region, with conditions expected to gradually improve by Wednesday evening.
Today, the weather will be mostly cloudy, with periodic local rain and isolated thunderstorms. Hail may occur during storms. Winds will blow mainly northerly to north-easterly, light to moderate at 3–4 Beaufort, locally strong and temporarily very strong at 5–6 Beaufort.
The sea will be slightly rough on the west coast and rough elsewhere.
Temperatures will reach around 18°C inland, 20°C along the coast, and 9°C in the higher mountains.
Tonight: Cooler Conditions, Possible Snow at Higher Elevations
Tonight, conditions will be partly cloudy at intervals, with a chance of isolated showers, mainly in coastal areas.
On the highest peaks of Troodos, light snowfall cannot be ruled out.
Winds will remain north-westerly to north-easterly, light to moderate at 3–4 Beaufort, and the sea will be slightly rough to rough.
Temperatures will drop to around 10°C inland, 12°C on the coast, and 2°C in the higher mountains, where local frost may form.
Beneficial Rainfall, Limited Impact So Far
Despite the orange warning that was in force until 05:00, the rainfall recorded in recent hours is considered beneficial, having not caused serious problems.
Road Network Affected by Landslides
According to the Police, rockfalls and soil landslides are affecting traffic on the following roads:
Kalo Chorio Oreinis – Gourri
Gourri – Lazania
Lazania – Machairas
Kalopanagiotis – Moutoullas
Pedoulas – Prodromos
Prodromos – Lemythou
Kakopetria – Pinewood – Pedoulas
Kakopetria – Karvounas
Kykkos – Pedoulas – Kambos
No significant problems have been reported on the rest of the road network.
Gradual Improvement Through the Weekend
On Thursday, the weather will be partly cloudy, with isolated showers or a possible isolated thunderstorm.
On Friday and Saturday, conditions will remain partly cloudy at intervals.
Temperatures will remain close to seasonal averages on Thursday, followed by a gradual slight increase on Friday and Saturday.
One Dead, Widespread Damage Reported in Kazafani
Severe weather has also caused extensive damage in the occupied areas, where one person has been confirmed dead, alongside flooding and damage to properties.
Riverbeds and dams have overflowed, with the most affected areas including Bogazi, Kyrenia, Dikomo and Kioneli. In several cases, civil defence intervened to evacuate residents from their homes.
In Kazafani, a 57-year-old man, previously reported missing, was found dead inside his vehicle.
Christodoulides Expresses Solidarity
President Nikos Christodoulides spoke by telephone with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, expressing solidarity for the difficult situation in the occupied areas.
He also conveyed Cyprus’ readiness to provide any assistance needed to the Turkish Cypriot community.
Erhürman thanked the President, noting that they would be in contact again if assistance is required.
This article was originally published on the Greek-language Politis website.