Lightning sparks fire and power outage in Avgorou amid Cyprus thunderstorms
A lightning strike caused a fire and electricity outage in Avgorou as an orange warning for severe thunderstorms remained in force across parts of Cyprus.
Avgorou, Cyprus. A lightning strike caused a fire and disrupted electricity supplies in the Ayios Nikolaos area of Avgorou on Saturday, as severe thunderstorms affected several parts of Cyprus.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus said crews were working at the scene, with initial estimates indicating that power would be restored within about two hours.
Fire and electricity disruption
According to an Electricity Authority of Cyprus spokeswoman, lightning struck a storage building in Ayios Nikolaos, starting a fire and affecting the area’s electricity supply.
Reports also suggested that lightning may have struck a home and put its occupants at risk, although this information had not been officially confirmed.
Orange weather warning
Cyprus was under an orange warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday, issued by the Department of Meteorology.
The warning was in force from 10am until 7pm on Saturday, 29 August. Rainfall intensity could reach between 55 and 70 millimetres per hour, while hail was also expected during thunderstorms.
Winds may become variable and temporarily strengthen during the storms, with stronger gusts possible.
Public precautions
Civil Defence urged the public to take necessary precautions following the orange warning, as severe weather conditions could cause further problems.
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