Cyprus cleans up after the storm

Cleaning crews in cities and towns around the island got to work Tuesday morning, following overnight heavy storms that brought down trees and caused mayhem in many parts of the road network.

Nicosia and Limassol were pounded with severe weather after 2am Tuesday morning, while some areas in Larnaca were also affected. Paphos was reportedly not affected by the heavy storms.

In Nicosia, heavy rain and hail storms resulted to trees being cut in half and damages to properties, while many roads became impassable due to mud and debris. Some roads, such as Ammochostou Street in the Sopaz area and Alexandroupoleos Street in Strovolos had to be closed down, while the Orphanides traffic lights were malfunctioning.

Also, an exit lane on the Limassol-Nicosia highway towards west Nicosia, the road that leads to the Orphanides traffic lights, had to be closed for maintenance due to water and mud accumulation.

In Limassol, gale force winds destroyed rooftop solar panels and other metal structures, which resulted to damages in many homes and commercial establishments. Trees were also cut in half, according to reports.

Limassol suffers power outages

Severe weather also affected areas in Trachoni, Pentakomo, Pissouri, and Laniam as well as Pareklishia where electricity went out along with areas such as Moni, Monagrouli, Polemidia and Akrotiri.

Yermasoyia was also affected by power cuts, with crews from Cyprus Electricity Authority (EAC) working around the clock to restore electricity.

Larnaca areas including Zigi and Kofinou were also affected by strong winds, where trees were also cut in half.

Weather officials said they expected rain and isolated thunderstorms to continue on Tuesday, while in some areas rainfall could be heavy.