A significant weather system unleashed a torrent of hail and torrential rain upon the Paphos district on Sunday afternoon. The intense downpour, which escalated considerably after midday, transformed familiar areas into hazardous environments. This extreme weather prompted urgent interventions from emergency services and issued necessary warnings from official bodies. The unusual conditions, featuring a near-whiteout effect due to accumulated hail, caused widespread disruption throughout the region. Significant impacts were noted regarding road safety and localized electricity supply interruptions.
The Paphos Fire Station received a substantial increase in calls as the rainfall, lasting for roughly an hour, overwhelmed drainage systems and flooded basements. In response to the escalating crisis, specialized response teams were promptly dispatched to address the immediate threat of flooding. Fire Service Spokesperson Andreas Kettis detailed the proactive measures undertaken. He confirmed that off-duty personnel had been recalled to enhance the station's operational capacity. Furthermore, a continuous risk assessment was actively maintained to ensure an effective resolution to all reported incidents. These dedicated crews focused on crucial tasks, including pumping water from submerged basements and clearing obstructions from street drains clogged by debris and hail.
The visual spectacle of the storm was particularly dramatic in areas like Geroskipou and along the western Paphos coastline, as well as near the airport. Hailstones accumulated to such a degree that certain locations bore a striking resemblance to wintery landscapes. Roads and other surfaces were covered by a thick, white layer of ice. This accumulation, combined with the sheer force of the rainfall, created extremely dangerous driving conditions. Police issued urgent advisories concerning the severely reduced visibility on the Limassol–Paphos highway, strongly encouraging drivers to exercise extreme caution. Motorists were advised to significantly reduce their speed, maintain ample distances between vehicles, and ensure their headlights were illuminated for increased visibility.
Meteorologist Tasos Ierodiakonou confirmed the severity of the event, stating that Paphos recorded the highest rainfall measurements across the island for that specific period. The primary cause of this turbulent weather has been attributed to a persistent low-pressure system influencing the region. This atmospheric condition fostered an environment prone to unstable weather patterns. Although the most intense phase of the storm subsided by Sunday evening, unsettled weather continued into Monday and Tuesday. This manifested as scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. A slight improvement in conditions is anticipated towards the end of the week. Forecasts suggest a gradual stabilisation of the weather on Wednesday and Thursday.
Beyond the immediate concerns for drivers and homeowners facing flooded properties, the extreme weather also caused disturbances in mountainous regions. While the swift and decisive actions of emergency services prevented any reported incidents involving individuals or property in immediate danger, the event served as a potent reminder of the region's vulnerability. This vulnerability is to the increasingly unpredictable patterns of global weather systems. The incident highlights the critical importance of robust emergency preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the face of escalating climatic challenges.