Authorities in Cyprus have heightened weather alerts to an orange level as Storm Byron bears down on the island, bringing with it a potent mix of torrential rain, violent winds, and the threat of significant disruption. The Department of Meteorology issued the upgraded warning, effective from Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning, urging residents in vulnerable eastern municipalities to avoid all but essential travel. Municipal services in areas including Ayia Napa, Paralimni, and Dherynia have been mobilized to a state of high alert in anticipation of severe conditions.
The impending severe weather is attributed to a deep low-pressure system, officially designated Storm Byron, which has already inflicted considerable damage along the island’s northern and western coastlines. Meteorologists indicate that the system is now poised to impact eastern regions, with a peak in intensity forecast from late Tuesday night until dawn on Wednesday. The combination of elements presents a multifaceted hazard, challenging both infrastructure and public safety.
A primary concern is the predicted intensity of the rainfall. Forecast models suggest precipitation rates could reach between 35 and 55 millimetres per hour, accumulating to approximately 50 millimetres within a six-hour window. Such deluges elevate the risk of sudden flooding, water accumulation on roadways, and a severe reduction in visibility for motorists. Concurrently, wind speeds are expected to vary and strengthen, potentially reaching gale force in localized, transient gusts. These conditions will generate a rough to very rough sea state, further compounding dangers in coastal zones.
Temperatures are set to plummet alongside the deteriorating conditions. During the warning period, lows of 10 degrees Celsius are anticipated inland, with a significant drop to 3 degrees in the elevated Troodos mountains, where local frost is likely and light snowfall on the highest peaks remains a possibility. This sharp contrast underscores the storm’s dynamic nature. However, a moderate rebound is expected by Wednesday daytime, with temperatures climbing to seasonal averages.
The escalation to an orange warning signifies a substantial threat to the road network and local infrastructure. Authorities have emphasized the risks posed by flash flooding and strong winds, which can lead to fallen debris, power disruptions, and hazardous driving conditions. The call for restricted travel is a direct response to these imminent dangers, aimed at ensuring public safety and allowing emergency and municipal crews to operate effectively.
While the core of Storm Byron is expected to pass by Wednesday morning, with phenomena gradually weakening throughout the day, the aftermath may linger. The forecast for the remainder of the week suggests only a partial alleviation, with partly cloudy skies and isolated showers or storms still possible in the days following the system’s passage. The event serves as a stark reminder of the Mediterranean’s increasing vulnerability to intense, out-of-season weather patterns, prompting renewed focus on preparedness and resilient infrastructure.