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12° Nicosia,
23 December, 2024
 
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Weekend rains bring floods across Cyprus; full forecast ahead (videos and pics)

Fire service responds to widespread flooding and hail-related hazards as heavy rains disrupt travel and prompt urgent safety warnings

Newsroom

Intense rainfall and hailstorms on Sunday caused flooding, road closures, and damage in several regions across Cyprus, triggering emergency responses. The Fire Service attended to 16 incidents throughout the day, primarily in Limassol and Famagusta districts, where downed trees, waterlogged basements, and blocked road drains were reported.

In Limassol, eight calls for assistance included flooded basements, a fallen tree, and vehicles stranded in rising waters. Teams worked to clear storm drains and restore safe passage in affected areas. Famagusta saw an equal number of incidents, as flood response crews worked to drain roads and basements in areas around Paralimni and Deryneia. The Famagusta District Self-Government Organization, led by President John Karousos, also mobilized local services to respond to flooded roads, especially in Protaras.

While Famagusta and Limassol bore the brunt of Sunday’s storm, Larnaca remained unscathed with no reports of major incidents.

Widespread Road Issues Amid Hail and Heavy Rain

Hailstorms intensified travel hazards across Cyprus, with key roads experiencing dangerous conditions from water and hail accumulation. The Avdimou-Pachna road was among the most affected, where water pooling created a slick surface, reducing visibility and posing a significant risk to drivers. Police advised drivers to reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, and use headlights for increased visibility.

The Limassol-Pafos motorway near Mandria, Pera Pedi, and Paramali was another hotspot for storm-related hazards, with hail and standing water creating dangerous conditions. Similar adverse weather affected Troodos, while heavy rain and hailstones impacted the Platres and Troodos areas, leading to reports of hazardous road conditions.

In Nicosia, heavy hail blanketed areas along the Akaki-Astromeritis road, limiting visibility and making roads treacherous. Landslides and rockfalls closed sections of the Gerasa-Agros road in Limassol, prompting police to recommend alternate routes through Agios Athanasios and Mathikoloni.

Weather Video Highlights

Video footage by WEATHERPHILES OF CYPRUS displays the intense rainfall and hailstorms across various regions of Cyprus, showing flooded streets, hail-covered roads, and emergency responders assisting vehicles trapped by rising waters.

Weather Forecast: Clouds and Showers, Gradual Improvement

Today’s weather will remain partly to mostly cloudy, with local showers and thunderstorms likely along the coast. Hail could accompany thunderstorms in some areas. Conditions are expected to ease from early afternoon, with skies clearing and storms weakening. Winds will be light to moderate, 3 to 4 Beaufort, with choppy seas and temperatures reaching around 23°C inland and along the coast, and 12°C in the mountains.

By tonight, skies will be partly cloudy with possible isolated showers along coastal areas. Light winds, mainly northwest to northeast, will bring cooler temperatures, dropping to 13°C inland, 16°C along the coast, and 8°C in the highlands.

Tuesday’s forecast predicts intermittent clouds, with a slight chance of showers, particularly in mountainous areas during the afternoon. Looking ahead to Wednesday and Thursday, mostly clear skies are expected, with occasional cloud cover. Temperatures will gradually rise, settling slightly above seasonal averages.

TAGS
Cyprus  |  weather  |  storms

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