A potent weather system designated Storm Byron swept across Cyprus this weekend, unleashing torrential rain, severe thunderstorms, and disruptive hail. The intense conditions triggered widespread power outages and prompted urgent preventative measures from local authorities aiming to mitigate flood risks. Meteorological officials warn that the unsettled weather pattern is set to persist into the early week, with southeastern regions potentially facing the most severe impacts.
The Cyprus Meteorological Service indicated that the onset of significant precipitation began on Saturday, initially affecting districts of the capital, Nicosia, before expanding across the island. Andreas Hadjigeorgiou, a Meteorological Officer, highlighted the potential for escalating severity in specific regions. "In southeastern Cyprus the phenomena are likely to be intense and the issuance of a relevant warning is being examined," he stated. The forecast predicts a continuation of rain and storms through Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, accompanied by a notable drop in temperatures that could bring sleet or snow to the highest mountain peaks.
In anticipation of potential flooding from sustained heavy rainfall, local governments, particularly in the Paphos district, mobilized proactively. The Paphos District Local Government Organisation coordinated special response crews, deploying them for preventative inspections and clearance operations. Critical infrastructure such as drainage systems, manholes, and natural water channels in municipalities including Paphos and Geroskipou were prioritized to ensure unimpeded water flow. In a public announcement, the organisation underscored its commitment to "prevention, infrastructure protection, and citizen protection... to ensure normal conditions for dealing with the effects of heavy and prolonged rainfall."
The storm’s immediate and tangible impact was felt through significant disruptions to the power grid. The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (ΑΗΚ) reported that its network sustained damage from the severe weather, leading to electricity cuts in numerous communities across the provinces of Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos. Repair crews worked through challenging conditions to restore supply, with authorities projecting a full reinstatement of power by midday Sunday. Meanwhile, residents in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Paphos and Limassol experienced intense thunderstorms, with a particularly severe cell noted between the northwestern locales of Argaka and Kato Pyrgos.
Authorities have issued clear guidance to the public, urging caution and community cooperation. Citizens are advised to inspect and clear drains near their properties, limit non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall, and avoid basement areas in zones historically prone to flooding. A dedicated contact number has been publicized for reporting critical issues such as blocked waterways or overflowing drainage systems. The broader implications of Storm Byron extend beyond immediate inconvenience, highlighting the island’s vulnerability to increasingly volatile Mediterranean weather patterns and testing the responsiveness of its municipal and utility infrastructures under duress. As Cyprus endures this multi-day atmospheric assault, the focus remains on resilience, restoration, and public safety.