Storm Byron Unleashes Severe Weather Across Cyprus

Cyprus Faces Major Weather Disruption from Storm Byron

Cyprus is experiencing significant weather disruption as Storm Byron continues to batter the island with thunder, lightning, wind, and rain, with hailstones also expected in some parts. The severe weather system, which began in earnest on Friday night, has forced authorities to issue weather warnings and implement emergency measures across the island.

Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage

The storm has caused considerable damage across Cyprus, particularly in the Paphos district. The road linking Polis Chrysochous and Latchi was closed on Sunday as heavy rainfall brought about by Storm Byron caused floods in the town and the region. Polis Chrysochous is ‘on alert’ after bearing the brunt of Storm Byron and facing extensive flooding over the weekend, with local authorities working around the clock to manage rising water levels.

The Paphos district government has maintained a heightened state of readiness since the onset of Storm Byron, deploying crews to manage rising water levels and clear drainage points. Additional complications arose from landslides of rocks and lumps of soil on roads in the mountains above Limassol, whilst tornadoes were reported in both the Paphos and Kyrenia districts on Friday night.

Extended Weather Warning and Regional Significance

The storm’s eye is located west of the coastline of Cyprus and is slowly moving east, with rain and storms expected to continue until Thursday. Rain is expected to fall at intensities ranging between 35 and 55 millimetres per hour at the height of the storms.

This weather event highlights the importance of regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Israel, Greece and Cyprus began jointly naming storms in 2021 as part of increased regional cooperation. As Storm Byron has battered Greece and Cyprus and is heading for Israel in the coming days, the system demonstrates how severe weather patterns can affect multiple countries. Residents are advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow updates from local authorities as Cyprus weathers this significant meteorological event.