Heavy rain closes roads in Cyprus as orange weather warning remains in force
An overflowing river forced the Peyia-Lara Road to close on Wednesday as authorities warned of severe thunderstorms and strong winds until early Thursday.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Heavy rainfall across Cyprus on Wednesday forced the Peyia-Lara Road to close when a river overflowed. Severe thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds were forecast to continue into the early hours of Thursday.
Weather warning and emergency preparations
The met office issued an orange warning covering the period between 3pm on Wednesday and 5am on Thursday. At 1.47pm, Civil Defence used CY-Alert to send an emergency notification to residents across Paphos and Limassol districts and some areas of Larnaca district.
Forecaster Andreas Chrysanthou said some isolated storms could become particularly intense. He expected rain and isolated thunderstorms in Nicosia, but with less intensity. By early evening, heavy rainfall, lightning and thunder had reached the capital.
The fire brigade raised its readiness level and deployed crews throughout all districts to handle potential flooding and other incidents linked to the weather.
Road closures and poor visibility
Police advised motorists to stay off the Peyia-Lara Road, describing it as “unsuitable for passage” because of the overflowing river. A fallen tree also forced the closure of the Orkontas-Pedoullas road.
Heavy rain reduced road visibility in the Limassol district communities of Erimi, Episkopi, Pissouri and Sotira, and in Kokkinotrimithia in Nicosia district. Dense fog also severely limited visibility around Palaichori.
Police advised drivers to slow down, leave a safe gap behind the vehicle in front and switch on their headlights when visibility is poor.
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