Storms Cause Travel Disruption Across Cyprus as Paphos Hit by Falling Trees and Structural Damage

Adverse weather conditions caused a series of incidents across Cyprus on Thursday, with emergency services responding to fallen trees, damaged infrastructure and traffic disruptions as heavy rain and strong winds affected large parts of the island.

Paphos hardest hit

In Paphos, the Fire Service responded to four incidents linked to the severe weather.

According to the service, three calls concerned fallen or displaced trees across the district. Responsibility for those cases was transferred to the Paphos District Local Government Organisation (EOA).

A fourth incident was reported in the Miliou area, where branches fell onto Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) power lines. The Polis Chrysochous Fire Station was dispatched to the scene.

The Fire Service said it is continuing to monitor conditions and may issue further updates if necessary.

Residents were urged to exercise caution, as strong winds and heavy rainfall have increased the risk of falling trees, branches and other debris.

Pergola collapses onto vehicle

Earlier in the day, heavy rain and powerful winds caused a metal pergola structure to detach from an apartment building on Griva Digeni Avenue in Paphos and collapse onto a parked vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

 

 

Police said intense rainfall was recorded in several areas of the district from around 11.15am, affecting traffic conditions across the wider road network.

Visibility was significantly reduced, while standing and flowing water accumulated on road surfaces, making roads particularly slippery.

Authorities urged drivers to:

• Reduce speed.
• Maintain greater distances from vehicles ahead.
• Avoid sudden manoeuvres and heavy braking.
• Use headlights where necessary.

Pedestrians and other road users were also advised to remain vigilant until weather conditions improve.

Yellow weather warning in force

The incident coincided with a yellow weather warning issued by the Department of Meteorology, which came into effect at 9am.

The warning covers isolated severe thunderstorms initially affecting the western half of the island before gradually expanding elsewhere.

Rainfall rates were forecast to reach between 35mm and 55mm per hour, with the possibility of hail. Wind gusts associated with thunderstorms were expected to reach force 7 to 8 Beaufort.

A low-pressure system centred near Rhodes is influencing weather conditions across the region.

Forecasters said Thursday's weather would remain mainly cloudy with local showers and isolated thunderstorms, while temperatures were expected to reach around 23C inland and along the coast and 12C in the higher mountains.

Crane truck disrupts motorway traffic

Weather-related travel difficulties were also reported on the Larnaca-Nicosia motorway.

Police said that, at approximately 12.15pm, part of the left-hand lane about one kilometre after the Rizoelia roundabout, in the direction of Nicosia, was closed because of an immobilised crane truck.

The vehicle was positioned on the hard shoulder but extended partially into the traffic lane, forcing authorities to cordon off part of the carriageway.

Police officers were deployed to the scene to facilitate the removal of the vehicle and restore normal traffic flow.

Drivers were urged to reduce speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and follow police instructions.

With heavy rain affecting most parts of Cyprus and conditions changing rapidly, authorities continue to advise caution on the roads until the weather system weakens.