Strong winds, heavy rain and localised hail storms resulted in flooding roads and electricity cuts with the Fire Service being called out some 70 times on Tuesday.
A police representative said the worst weather was evident in Nicosia with several roads cut off due to flooding. The police have also warned of ongoing poor visibility and recommended drivers keep their vehicle lights on.
Trees fell on electricity poles resulted in electricity blackouts in some parts of the city. Fire Service Spokesman Liza Kemitzi said over 70 calls for assistance were received, mostly requesting water pumping for flooded underground spaces. Calls for help also came from people trapped in their cars. According to Kemitzi, the areas of Strovolos, the centre of Nicosia, and Latsia were the worst affected. Civil Defence was called in to assist the Fire Service, she revealed, to ensure assistance was provided as quickly as possible.
Tuesday’s downpour and localised storms look set to continue until Wednesday afternoon, from when a slight improvement is expected. A Meteorological Services official said the rain and storms and occasional hail showers would likely continue over Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. “As for the coming days, Thursday’s weather will be relatively good but more rain is expected from the evening and on Friday,” she said. The official added rain and storms were not unusual for this time of year.
Cyprus Weekly