Hail, heavy rain and storms hit Cyprus

Muddy rain, thunderstorms, hail and even power disruptions struck in various parts of the island on Friday as an unsettled weather passed across the island with conditions expected to persist through the weekend.

Torrential rain was recorded in various parts of Cyprus, leading to water accumulation on roads.

More specifically in the Zygi area, hail was also observed, adding to hazardous conditions.

Police issued a warning urging drivers to exercise caution, including reducing speed, maintaining safe distances from vehicles ahead, and keeping headlights on due to reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces.

The sudden deterioration in weather conditions also led to power outages in several areas across Cyprus.

Speaking to AlphaNews.Live, Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou said the abrupt cloud cover reduced solar energy production, effectively halting photovoltaic generation.

As a result, electricity demand exceeded supply, leaving the system unable to cope.

In such cases, the system automatically begins to disconnect consumers in stages to restore balance.

The bad weather also forced a Sky Express plane to change course and fly over the northern part of Cyprus to avoid the storm, as spotted on Flight Radar.

Meanwhile thunder and lightning were captured by residents in Limassol, Ayios Ioannis area where muddy rain prevailed earlier today.

Instability will continue into Saturday, with intervals of rain and localised thunderstorms expected across parts of the island. Conditions are not expected to be continuous, but rather marked by alternating periods of cloud, showers and clearer spells.

According to kitasweather, muddy rain, mud drops and isolated dry thunderstorms are expected through the rest of Friday with increased dust.

Unsettled conditions will persist into Sunday and Monday, with isolated to localised showers and thunderstorms, mainly developing during the midday and afternoon hours.

Temperatures will record a slight drop on Friday, although they will still remain above average for the season. A more noticeable decrease is expected over the weekend, bringing temperatures closer to or slightly below seasonal norms by Sunday.

Authorities advise the public to remain alert to rapidly changing conditions, particularly due to dust levels, reduced visibility, power disruptions and the risk of sudden, localised severe weather.