Severe weather conditions strike Cyprus causing widespread disruption

A severe low-pressure system brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to Cyprus starting on the afternoon of October 14, 2026. The Department of Meteorology issued an orange alert effective from 15:00 on Wednesday until 05:00 on Thursday, warning of rainfall intensities between 55 and 70 millimetres per hour, along with hail and strong gusts. Authorities utilized the CY-Alert system to warn residents, particularly in the Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca districts, while Civil Defence provided safety guidelines for flood prevention.

The storm caused significant operational disruptions, including the overflow of rivers and the closure of the Pegeia-Lara road and the Avakas Gorge, where six tourists were rescued by police. Aviation was also affected, with a flight from Glasgow to Paphos diverted to Larnaca. Electricity grid failures were reported across five districts, with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus recording 28 separate fault entries. Other reported incidents include tree falls, landslides, road flooding, and limited visibility in mountainous areas. Emergency services, including the Fire Department and local authorities, remain on high alert to handle ongoing requests for water pumping and infrastructure clearance as the weather front continues to move across the island.