Nicosia, Cyprus. Torrential rain on Saturday created hazardous driving conditions, with police warning of water build-up and reduced visibility on major roads as hail was reported in parts of Nicosia.
Hazardous road conditions and police warning
Heavy rainfall affected both the Nicosia–Larnaca and Nicosia–Akaki highways from around midday. Police urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead, and keep their headlights on.
Hail reported in Nicosia areas
Hail was reported in several parts of Nicosia, including Strovolos, Makedonitissa and Lakatamia, according to videos shared on social media.
Forecast for Saturday and the days ahead
An unstable air mass continued to affect the region, with the weather department forecasting mainly cloudy conditions through the afternoon, with local showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly over inland areas, the mountains and the southeast. Winds were expected to blow from the southwest to northwest at three to four Beaufort, temporarily reaching four to five Beaufort in windward coastal areas.
Tonight was expected to become mostly clear, although increased low cloud could develop in some areas, with patchy mist or fog possible in the early hours. From Sunday through Tuesday, the forecast called for intervals of partly cloudy weather, with isolated showers and thunderstorms expected mainly during the afternoon over inland and mountainous areas. Temperatures were expected to rise slightly in the coming days, while remaining below seasonal averages.
Have you adjusted your travel plans due to the hazardous weather conditions?
