Severe weather disrupts travel and power across Cyprus

A wave of severe weather hit Cyprus on October 14, 2026, causing widespread disruption, including localized flooding, power outages, and road closures across several districts. An orange weather warning, forecasting heavy rainfall of up to 70 millimeters per hour, was issued by the Department of Meteorology and remained in effect until the early hours of Thursday, October 15.

Key incidents included the diversion of a flight from Glasgow to Paphos to Larnaca Airport due to stormy conditions. In Paphos, police rescued six tourists trapped by rising waters in the Avakas Gorge, while the Peyia-Lara road was closed following the overflow of the Aspros River. Electrical faults affected multiple districts, including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, as fire crews responded to numerous calls for water pumping and tree clearance. In Amargeti, residents faced a dual crisis when heavy rains flooded an area they were struggling to extinguish following a brush fire.

Authorities, including the Civil Defence through the CY-Alert system, urged residents to remain vigilant. While the most intense phase passed, emergency services remained on high alert as of early Thursday, with police warning motorists of continued hazards like water accumulation and landslides on major road networks, including the Limassol-Paphos highway.