The Troodos National Forest Park is bathed in white, a magical setting weaved on the highest reaches of Cyprus by heavy snowfalls, now sadly a rare occurence, as the country goes through its fourth year of drought.
Visitors should exercise the utmost caution, as all roads to the area, are slippery and the way to Mount Olympus is only open to snow chained vehicles and 4x4s.
The Forestry Department uploaded a video on social media, indicating that snow has been recorded at altitudes of 1600 metres and upwards. At Jubilee hotel the depth of snow was four centimetres, with 6 on Mount Olympus.
According to meteorologist Erik Kita, that heavy snowfalls were favoured by the Sea Effect Rain/Snow mechanism, as icy cloud cover from the northwest, off Cyprus, is affecting mountainous regions and areas around the Paphos-Troodos forest.
The Department of Meteorology issued a yellow warning for strong winds, reaching gale force 8, across the island, until ten this evening.
Tonight's forecast
Showers are expected initially in the west and north and gradually developing over most of the island, with snowfalls continuing over the mountains. Isolated storms ate possible, mainly in the northwest. Winds will be moderate to strong, over rough seas. Temperatures will drop around nine degrees celsius inland and in coastal regions and 1 on the mountains.
The Forestry Department, on account of the upcoming weekend, is calling on visitors to respect the natural habitat, not leaving garbage behind them and be vigilant on the slippery, hazardous roads.
'Enjoy the Troodos beauty responsibly and safely', a relevant announcement said, inviting people over.