Scenes of severe weather across Cyprus were the dominant view today, Saturday, when, shortly after 10 a.m., the severe weather—which the Meteorological Service had warned about since yesterday, even issuing an orange alert valid until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Flooded streets, flooded properties, lightning strikes—even on homes—fires, power outages, fallen trees, tornadoes, zero visibility on the roads, landslides, and damage—these are just some of the effects brought by the weather disturbance from the north that struck the island.

In Kato Drys, a man was reportedly struck by lightning while accompanying an elderly person to a monastery. The man was taken to the hospital, where his condition is described as good, pending the completion of all necessary tests.

Shortly before noon, the 112 emergency line issued a warning to residents in areas of the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca about the risk of flooding and urging people to avoid nonessential travel.

Lightning Strikes

In Avgorou, a family was in danger when lightning struck the storage shed of their home, causing a fire, smoke, and suffocating fumes. A rescue operation was launched by the fire department and police, and an ambulance was also called to the scene. The residents were evacuated, while neighbors helped by rescuing the family’s pets.

A lightning strike also occurred in Kokkinotrimithia, at a property located next to the middle school. Firefighters and volunteers rushed to the scene immediately to put out the fire.

READ ALSO: Shocking images from Kokkinotrimithia: Lightning struck next to the middle school, causing a large fire at the scene (VIDEO) | AlphaNews

Fallen Trees and Damage

The fierce winds caused trees to be uprooted in several instances, while heavy objects caused damage to vehicles, such as when a water cooler fell onto a parked car in Anthoupoli.

Damage was also reported in various parts of the region from Argaka to Pomo, according to the mayor of the City of Chrysochous district, Giotis Papachristofis.

As he stated in remarks to CNA, in the areas where the storm was most severe, damage was reported to a greenhouse, while problems were also caused to photovoltaic installations.

Damage was also reported on the beaches of Pomos, Argaka, and Agia Marina, mainly to beach umbrellas and lounge chairs, which were affected by the strong winds.

As for the town of Chrysochous, Mr. Papachristofis reported that, according to information available so far, no damage has been recorded.

Strong winds prevailed throughout the wider area, causing trees to fall in various locations and disrupting the road network. Municipal crews have already begun clearing and removing the fallen trees to restore safe passage for vehicles.

The mayor urged the public to exercise extreme caution during severe weather, to limit non-essential travel, and to remain in safe locations until the storm subsides.

The strong winds and rainfall in the area lasted about 40 minutes, causing problems and damage in several locations, he concluded.

READ ALSO: Dramatic moments in Avgorou: Lightning struck a home and caused a fire (VIDEO & PHOTOS) | AlphaNews

The Larnaca District Local Government Organization and the municipalities of the district are on high alert due to the weather conditions affecting the area. So far, two incidents of fallen trees have been reported, in Drosia and on the road from Athienou to Lybia, with no other major problems reported.

The President of the Larnaca District Local Government Organization, Angelos Hatzicharalambous, told CNA that a tree fell in the Drosia area and was removed by a crew from the Larnaca Municipality.

As he noted, the Larnaca Local Government Organization is on standby, with crews out in the field, while communication is maintained with all municipalities.

At the same time, a coordination center is operating in conjunction with all municipalities and a partner organization to ensure a timely response to extreme weather events.

Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras told CNA that there have been reports of fallen trees, though nothing serious has been recorded so far.

The Mayor of Aradippou, Christodoulos Partos, told CNA that so far there have been no major incidents, noting that the municipal services are on standby for whatever may be needed. Mr. Partos reported that power outages have been observed in various areas of Aradippou.

SEE ALSO: Forty medium-voltage outages due to bad weather | AlphaNews

The mayor of Lefkara, Sophocles Sophocleous, told CNA that so far there have been no problems, while “good rainfall” has been recorded.

In Athienou, according to Mayor Kyriakos Kareklas, a cypress tree appears to have fallen on the road from Athienou to Lybia, and a municipal crew is rushing to remove it.

Mr. Kareklas also noted that he had instructed the municipality’s crews to remain on standby since yesterday.

The Strovolos Municipality crews are on standby to address problems caused by the extreme weather conditions prevailing in the area, Stavros Stavrinidis, Mayor of Strovolos, noted in a social media post today; at the same time, calls on residents to be especially careful when traveling and to avoid areas where there are fallen or dangerous branches and trees.

As he notes, due to severe weather conditions, incidents of falling branches and other incidents have been reported, which may pose risks to public safety and traffic.

“The Municipality’s crews are on standby to address these issues,” he states, adding that for emergencies related to extreme weather conditions, residents can contact the Municipality at 99 643044. The Municipality of Strovolos, he concludes, is monitoring the situation and taking action where necessary.

Power Outages

The severe weather also caused several problems with the power grid, as fallen trees and lightning strikes caused damage, leaving several areas across Cyprus without power.

Specifically, forty medium-voltage faults had been recorded by noon on Saturday in the power grid due to the severe weather, while there are also numerous smaller, local low-voltage outages, AHK Press Officer Christina Papadopoulou, explaining that the outage has caused power cuts in many areas.

Problems on the road network

City streets were flooded, resembling rivers, while highways were also affected, with standing water in some areas and reduced visibility making driving difficult and dangerous.

However, there were also problems with air traffic. At Larnaca Airport, 11 flights were diverted due to weather conditions.

READ ALSO: The mercury plummeted 10 degrees—here’s what meteorologists are saying about the phenomenon | AlphaNews

Waterspouts

There were several instances of waterspouts forming. Stunning images of the phenomenon were captured in the districts of Larnaca (Makenzy area), Famagusta (Liopetri), and Limassol.

Civil Defense Recommendations

In a statement, the Civil Defense Force issued recommendations to the public aimed at ensuring proper preparation and minimizing the risks and negative consequences of severe storms. the Civil Defense Force issued a statement.

According to the warning, severe thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of the island. Rainfall intensity may range between 55 and 70 millimeters per hour, and hail is also expected. During thunderstorms, winds may fluctuate and temporarily intensify, with stronger gusts.

Regarding self-protection measures, the Civil Protection Agency urges the public to limit non-essential travel during severe weather events, to ensure that drains outside their homes or workplaces and the property’s gutters are not clogged, to secure outdoor objects, which could be moved or swept away by water or strong winds, and avoid working or staying in underground areas when heavy rainfall occurs.

SEE ALSO: VIDEO & PHOTOS: An impressive waterspout appeared in Liopetri | AlphaNews

He also urged the public, in the event of flooding, to leave underground areas and move to a safe, higher ground, and under no circumstances to attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or by car, on a motorcycle or bicycle; if they find themselves on a flooded road, to stop and change direction; to stay away from power lines and areas where landslides have occurred or are a risk, and be especially cautious in areas with strong winds and avoid objects or structures that may be displaced.

He also urged the public to monitor official announcements and follow the instructions of the relevant authorities.

“Prevention, timely preparation, and responsible behavior help protect us all,” the Civil Defense stated in its announcement.

Police Recommendations

In the event of severe weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, or strong winds, road conditions may change suddenly and affect the safe travel of drivers, the police had warned early on.

Subsequently, one press release followed another, reporting on problems on the road network due to standing water in certain areas, reduced visibility, and landslides that had resulted in the closure of some roads.

The police urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and adjust their driving to the prevailing conditions.

SEE ALSO: Driving Conditions Difficult Across Cyprus Due to Bad Weather | AlphaNews

Useful guidelines for drivers:

• Reduce your speed and adjust your driving to the prevailing conditions.

• Maintain a greater safety distance from the vehicle ahead, as stopping distance increases on wet roads.

• Avoid sudden maneuvers, such as hard braking, sudden acceleration, or sharp turns, especially on roads with standing water.

• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or areas where water has pooled if it is not safe to do so. The depth and flow of the water may be difficult to assess.

• We are especially careful in strong winds, which can affect the vehicle’s handling and stability.

• We watch for objects, branches, or other obstacles that may have been swept onto the road or fallen onto the roadway.

• Check the condition of your vehicle, especially the tires, brakes, lights, and windshield wipers.

• Avoid non-essential travel whenever possible when weather and road conditions become hazardous.

Adapting our driving to prevailing conditions is a key factor in preventing traffic collisions and protecting all road users.

Drive carefully. Slow down. Keep a safe following distance.

SEE ALSO: Storm "Kyrios": Falling trees, landslides, lightning, power outages, and flooded roads | AlphaNews

The weather forecast for the coming days

A weather system from the north is affecting the region. This afternoon, the weather will be mostly cloudy with rain and local thunderstorms. Hail is also expected during thunderstorms. Winds will blow from the northwest to the northeast, moderate to strong at 4 to 5 Beaufort, and temporarily in the north up to very strong, 6 Beaufort. The sea will be slightly rough to rough.

Tonight, the weather will gradually become mostly clear with locally increased cloud cover, while isolated showers are likely along the eastern and northern coasts. Winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly, light to moderate, 3 to 4 Beaufort, while initially in the west and north they will be moderate, 4 Beaufort. The sea in the west and north will remain slightly rough to rough, while in the south and east it will gradually become slightly rough. Temperatures will drop to around 21 degrees inland, around 23 on the coast, and around 14 degrees in the higher mountainous areas.

Tomorrow, the weather will be mostly clear with temporarily increased cloud cover, while clouds developing after noon are likely to bring isolated showers to areas south of the Troodos Mountains and in the east. Winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly, light to moderate, 3 to 4 Beaufort, and in the southeast, up to strong, 5 Beaufort. The sea will be slightly rough and, in the southeast, rough. Temperatures will reach around 34 degrees inland, on the southern and eastern coasts, 32 degrees on the rest of the coasts, and around 23 degrees in the higher mountainous areas.

On Monday and Tuesday, the weather will be mostly clear with temporarily increased cloud cover, while clouds developing after noon are expected to bring isolated showers, andan isolated thunderstorm. On Wednesday, the weather will be mostly clear.

Temperatures will gradually rise over the three-day period, reaching levels close to the climatological averages by Wednesday.

READ ALSO: The mercury took a 10-degree plunge—here’s what meteorologists are saying about the phenomenon | AlphaNews