Flood fears ramp up as cold front nears

Inclement weather continues to affect Cyprus as weekend storms cause flash flooding conditions in parts of the island and much colder temperatures are on they way.

Mostly cloudy skies on Sunday morning will be accompanied by heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms, along with possible hailstorms, according to officials, who said inclement weather would improve noticeably in the afternoon but strong winds were expected throughout the day along with light precipitation across the island and occasional snow high up in the mountains.

Reports said officials issued warnings for very strong winds out west and in the north in the late afternoon. 

Temperature highs will reach 15 degrees Celsius in the interior, around 17 across all coastal regions, while it will be 4 high up in the mountains. Lows will drop down to 5 degrees inland, 7 in the south and east, around 10 in all other coastal regions, while it will be two degrees below zero (-2) high up in the mountains where frost is expected to form overnight.

Local media reported heavy rain and poor weather conditions on Saturday caused problems in many parts of the island, including severe flooding on highway stretches and urban streets in Limassol as well as rockslides and slippery roads in the mountains. Reports also said many popular streets including the area of the town's medieval castle were affected by flash flooding.

Fair skies but also chances of rain are expected Monday and Tuesday, when temperature levels are expended to drop gradually along with increasing chances of isolated thunderstorms just before midweek, when a much colder front will be established on the island on Wednesday.

Midweek temperatures will be noticeably below normal average levels for this time of the year, officials said.