A low-pressure system is expected to affect the region through tomorrow.
Rain, severe thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds are set to hit Cyprus, with the Meteorological Service issuing a 20-hour yellow warning. Specifically, the warning went into effect at 9:00 p.m. and will remain in effect until 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Specifically, isolated severe thunderstorms are expected to affect the region intermittently, initially the western half of the island and subsequently other areas. Rainfall is expected to range between 35 and 55 millimeters per hour, with localized hail. Winds may shift and intensify, with gusts potentially reaching eight Beaufort.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
As a reminder, mobile phone users across Cyprus received a CY-Alert notification at 6:52 p.m. on Thursday, informing them of the yellow warning issued earlier that afternoon by the Department of Meteorology.
SEE ALSO: CY-Alert message regarding severe weather conditions affecting Cyprus (PHOTO)
The Civil Defense Force, following a relevant announcement by the Department of Meteorology regarding isolated severe thunderstorms (hail is also expected), which are expected to affect, at intervals, initially the western half of the island and subsequently other areas, issues the following recommendations to the public, with the aim of prevention and proper preparation to minimize risks and negative consequences:
Flood Safety Measures
- Make sure that the drains outside your home or workplace are not blocked.
- Make sure the gutters on your property are functioning properly.
- If you have a basement in a flood-prone area, dig a special water collection pit and install an automatic sump pump. Remove valuable items or expensive equipment from your basement.
- If you live on a lot with a yard, leave—where possible—unpaved soil so the ground can absorb water.
- Secure any items that could be swept away by the water and dislodged (e.g., water tanks, water heaters, etc.).
- Repair any openings in perimeter walls.
- Prepare sandbags to prevent water from entering your property if it is located in an area at risk of flooding.
- If you are notified of heavy rainfall, limit your travel and avoid working or staying in underground areas.
During a flood
If you are inside a building:
- Evacuate underground areas and move to a safe, elevated location.
If you are outdoors:
- Do not cross a flooded road on foot or by car, bicycle, or motorcycle.
- Stop and change direction if you find yourself on a flooded road.
- Leave your car if it has stalled, as it may be swept away or flooded.
- Stay away from power lines.
- Do not approach areas where landslides have occurred.
After the flood
If you are in an open area:
- Stay away from areas that have been flooded or are at risk of flooding in the coming hours because:
- the flood may have altered the characteristics of familiar areas,
- there are dangers posed by damaged road surfaces and areas with steep slopes, and
- the water may be contaminated if it has carried various objects or even animals with it.
- Do not obstruct rescue crews.
- Do not use the phone unless absolutely necessary.
Before beginning restoration efforts:
- Remember that flood hazards do not subside immediately after the water recedes.
- Check with the relevant authorities to ensure that your area is safe and that you can return to begin restoration work.
- Turn off the power and water supply valves.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate clothing to avoid injury.
Self-protection measures against tornadoes
If you are at home:
- Remove any objects from your yard that could be blown away by the tornado, and securely fasten any that are not already secured.
- Close doors and windows, leaving interior window shutters open to quickly equalize indoor and outdoor air pressure.
- Stay away from objects that could move and from glass that might break.
If you are outdoors:
- Keep an eye on, if possible, the tornado’s path and move away as quickly as possible from the areas it will pass through, staying clear of objects that could be blown around and strike you.
- If you cannot get out of the tornado’s path in time, lie face down in a low-lying area—if there is one nearby— protecting your head with your hands to avoid being struck by objects that could be blown around or trees that might be uprooted.
Self-protection measures against strong winds
Before and during strong winds
- Be especially careful in areas where strong winds are occurring; avoid unnecessary travel, seek shelter indoors, and close the doors and windows of your home or workplace.
- Remove any outdoor items that cannot be secured (e.g., flowerpots, small tables, chairs, decorative items, etc.) and avoid any kind of work or activity that could cause a fire.
- Secure any advertising signs you may have posted on your property.
- Avoid activities in marine and coastal areas.
- Avoid walking under large trees, signs, or balconies, and securely fasten all objects that could be blown away by the wind and cause damage or injury (e.g., signs, water tanks, water heaters, etc.).
- It is recommended that employers take all appropriate measures to protect workers performing tasks outdoors (e.g., temporarily suspending work at construction sites, etc.)
Detailed weather forecast
Tonight, the weather will gradually become mostly cloudy, with local showers and isolated thunderstorms expected, initially in the west and north and later in the rest of the country. Hail is expected during thunderstorms. Conditions may be severe in some areas. Winds will be mainly southwesterly to northwesterly, moderate at 4 Beaufort, while in storm-affected areas they will shift direction and intensify. The sea will be somewhat rough. Temperatures will drop to around 18 degrees in inland areas and along the coast, and to 14 degrees in the higher mountainous regions.
Tomorrow, the weather will be mostly cloudy, with local showers and isolated thunderstorms expected at times; these conditions may be intense locally but are expected to subside late in the afternoon. Winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly, moderate to strong, 4 to 5 Beaufort, and the sea will be slightly rough to rough. Temperatures will reach 31 degrees inland, 29 degrees along the coast, and 20 degrees in the higher mountainous areas.
Tomorrow night, the weather will be mostly clear, while increased low cloud cover will develop in the west. Winds will be from the northwest, light to moderate, 3 to 4 Beaufort, and the sea will be slightly rough.
READ ALSO: Here’s how the bad weather will “hit”: Storms, hail, and strong winds in the 20-hour warning
On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the weather will be mostly clear, but increased cloud cover will develop in the afternoon, bringing isolated showers and possibly thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas.
Temperatures will gradually rise over the three-day period, reaching levels close to the seasonal averages.
