Supported by
Storms in Cyprus earlier than predicted. Orange alert from 3:00 PM
The Orange Alert for Cyprus will go into effect on Wednesday, October 14, at 3:00 PM—four hours earlier than previously announced. The Cyprus Meteorological Service has revised its warning for severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, gusty winds, and possible hail. The end date remains unchanged: Thursday, October 15, at 5:00 AM.
During storms, rainfall intensity can reach 55 to 70 millimeters per hour. Civil Defense urges residents to prepare their homes and workplaces, secure items left outdoors, and limit unnecessary travel during severe storms. Flooded roads and underground areas can be particularly dangerous.
The rest of the article is below
Orange alert in Cyprus. What has changed?
A new warning, number 67, was issued at 9:46 a.m. Wednesday. Replaces previous message number 66, which predicted that the alert would only start at 7:00 p.m.
This means the risk period now extends to Wednesday afternoon, not just evening and night. It's worth considering this change when planning your commute home from work, picking up children, and other travel.
The alert level remains orange. This update does not raise it to red—the alert's start time has been changed.
About the previous announcement we wrote earlier in CyprNewsThe 7:00 PM time listed therein has been replaced with a new date.
Warning update
The alert will go into effect four hours earlier
Wednesday, October 14
Warning begins: 15:00
Thursday, October 15
End of warning: 5:00
Times are local time in Cyprus. New message no. 67 replaces warning no. 66.
Heavy rain, hail and violent wind gusts
A low-pressure system is responsible for the worsening weather. Storms may bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hail.
Rainfall rates of 55-70 millimeters per hour correspond to 55-70 liters of water per square meter per hour. These values are forecast during intense events, and do not indicate continued rainfall of this intensity throughout the warning period.
Such heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm street drainage systems. Low-lying areas, underpasses, and dry riverbeds, which can quickly fill with water, are also at risk.
Check the rainfall forecast on the map
The map below allows you to track the forecasted rainfall development and change the displayed date. This layer shows rainfall totals over three-hour periods, so its values are not a direct equivalent of the hourly rainfall intensity reported in the warning.
Rain forecast for Cyprus
Check the displayed date and time. The map shows the forecasted rainfall over three-hour periods.
Civil Defense: Protect Your Home from Storms
Authorities recommend checking drains and gutters for blockages. Objects that could be carried away by wind or running water should be removed from balconies, terraces, and gardens or secured accordingly.
It's also a good idea to move valuable items and equipment from basements at risk of flooding. Avoid staying or working in underground spaces during heavy rainfall.
If water begins to flood a building, you must leave the underground section and move to a safe, higher location. Don't wait until the water level becomes too high to exit.
Don't drive through a flooded road
Civil Defense reminds the public not to cross flooded sections by foot, car, bicycle, or motorcycle. If the road is underwater, stop and choose an alternative route.
The danger doesn't end when the rain stops. Water can conceal road damage, leaving the terrain unstable. Avoid downed power lines and areas affected by landslides.
During strong winds, avoid standing under large trees, billboards, and other structures that may become detached. Authorities also recommend avoiding sea and coastal activities during hazardous conditions.
The recommendations also apply to outdoor work.
Employers should ensure the safety of those performing duties outdoors. Civil Defense, among other things, points out the possibility of temporarily suspending construction work during hazardous conditions.
The most important change for residents and tourists, however, concerns time: The orange alert in Cyprus is valid from 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday to 5:00 a.m. on ThursdayBefore your afternoon trip, it's worth checking the latest weather reports and road conditions.
Sources: Cyprus Meteorological Service, Civil Defence, Philenews.
