The competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus are on high alert in view of severe weather conditions expected to hit Cyprus with heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds, for which an Orange Warning has been issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Through the CY-ALERT system, Civil Defence sent a warning message to citizens regarding the danger level of the intense weather phenomena expected to affect Cyprus, stating:
“A low-pressure system accompanied by severe thunderstorms is expected to affect the area. During thunderstorms, winds will be variable with strong gusts, and hail is likely to fall. Valid from 15:00 until tomorrow at 05:00.”
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As reported by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), the message was sent to residents of the Paphos and Limassol districts, as well as parts of the Nicosia and Larnaca districts.
The Fire Service is also on alert to respond to flooding and other emergency situations that may arise from the severe weather.
Fire Service Press Officer Koulla Mesaritou stated on the show Alpha Enimerosi that all District Directorates are on heightened readiness with fully staffed crews, while members have been instructed to remain on standby. At the same time, there is close communication with Civil Defence, the Department of Meteorology, and local authorities for coordination and cooperation.
Ms. Mesaritou explained that in the event of mass calls, phone calls will be prioritized based on risk level.
The western and southern coasts, particularly the districts of Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca, are the areas most likely to be affected by severe weather phenomena, due to the orange warning in effect from 15:00 on Wednesday afternoon until 05:00 on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, the rainfall is expected to boost inflows into dams, according to Meteorological Officer Andreas Chrysanthou.
Mr. Chrysanthou stated that today’s rainfall is expected to affect all of Cyprus, although the phenomena will not have the same intensity everywhere or occur continuously throughout the warning period. “The severe phenomena will be isolated,” he noted, adding that in Nicosia, rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected, though with lower intensity compared to the western and southern coasts.
Regarding the possibility of sending a alert via the CY-Alert system, Mr. Chrysanthou mentioned that this falls under the jurisdiction of Civil Defence, which has been informed of the situation. “Potentially yes, you may receive the CY-Alert,” he said, adding that consultation with the Department of Meteorology had already taken place.
Referring to dam inflows, Mr. Chrysanthou said that the expected rainfall is capable of contributing to inflows; however, their magnitude will become clear after the weather events occur. “The incoming rains are capable of bringing inflows to the dams. Whether these will be substantial or minimal remains to be seen,” he noted.
Furthermore, he stated that rain is also expected on Thursday and Friday, and possibly periodically over the weekend, though without the intensity of today’s phenomena.
Regarding the weather outlook for the remainder of October, he noted that it is still too early for safe predictions, adding, however, that “the signals are positive.”
