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Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca are most at risk from storms. Rain could fill reservoirs.
Storms in Cyprus are expected to hit the western and southern coasts the hardest, primarily the districts of Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca. Meteorologist Andreas Chrysanthou said rainfall is expected across the island, but its intensity and duration will vary between regions. The orange warning is in effect from 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14, until 5:00 AM on Thursday.
The rain could also increase the flow of water into Cypriot reservoirs. The extent of this effect is not yet known. According to a report from the Department of Water Resources Development cited in the press release, the reservoirs are currently 36.8% full and contain approximately 110.3 million cubic meters of water.
The rest of the article is below
Storms in Cyprus will not be equally strong everywhere
Andreas Chrysanthou, a representative of the Meteorological Service, explained to the Cyprus News Agency that rainfall is expected to cover the entire island, but the heaviest rainfall will be localized.
Western and southern coastal areas are most at risk. Rain and isolated thunderstorms are also forecast for Nicosia, but they are expected to be milder than along the coast.
This doesn't mean that every location in the Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca districts will experience the same conditions. One location might experience a heavy downpour, while a neighboring location might experience much lighter rainfall.
Strong wind gusts and hail are possible during storms. Rainfall intensity may reach 55–70 millimeters per hour.
Footage from the Paphos area at 10:00 AM
The video below was recorded near Paphos on Wednesday, October 14, at around 10:00 a.m. - before the orange warning came into effect.
Footage from near Paphos
Wednesday, October 14 — 10:00 AM
Weather radar - check where it's raining
You can track available radar images and precipitation movements on the map below. It's worth noting the time of day the image is displayed: data is updated periodically and may appear with a delay.
Radar shows precipitation but does not replace weather warnings. The image alone does not allow for the assessment of all hazards, such as gusty winds or hail.
Track rainfall
Cyprus weather radar
Zoom in on the region of interest and check the radar image time. You can use the timeline to track the precipitation's movement.
Map: Ventusky. Availability and timeliness of images depend on radar data providers.
Possible CY Alert message
The meteorologist was also asked about the possibility of sending a warning via the CY Alert system.
He explained that the decision rests with the Civil Defense, which has been informed of the situation and is in contact with the Meteorological Service. He did not rule out issuing an alert.
This is not a confirmation that the message has already been sent or will definitely be sent. Regardless of whether you receive a notification on your phone, you should heed the published weather warning.
The start of the alert has been moved from 7:00 PM to 15:00The closing date remains unchanged: Thursday, October 15th, 12:00 PM 5:00, local time in Cyprus.
About the dangers of storms we wrote earlier in CyprNewsYou can also find current forecasts on the website Weather in Cyprus.
Will rain help replenish water supplies?
According to Chrysanthou, the forecasted rainfall could cause water to flow into reservoirs. However, the extent of this flow will only be assessed after the rain occurs.
A downpour in the city alone doesn't determine how much water will reach the dams. The location of the rainfall, its extent, and runoff from the areas feeding the individual reservoirs are all important factors.
Therefore, the forecast of storms does not necessarily indicate a significant increase in reserves. Further measurements will be needed to assess the impact of this weather change.
Reservoirs in Cyprus 36.8% full
The above comparison shows significant differences between the reservoirs. The Kalopanagiotis is full, while the Achna is only 8% full.
The percentage of fullness does not indicate the actual amount of water stored. A small dam that is completely full may hold less water than a large reservoir that is only partially full.
How much water is there in Cypriot reservoirs?
36,8%
total filling of tanks
110.3 million m³
accumulated water
300.1 million m³
total capacity
| Tank | Filling |
|---|---|
| Kalopanagiotis | 100% |
| Klirou–Malounta–Akaki | 87% |
| Solea | 84% |
| Tamassos | 79% |
| Xyliatos | 74% |
| Vyzakia | 71% |
| Arminou | 63% |
| Pomos | 60% |
| Germasogeia | 48% |
| Agia Marina Chrysochous | 48% |
| Argaka | 44% |
| Polemidia | 43% |
| Kannaviou | 42% |
| Evretou | 39% |
| Kouris | 37% |
| Asprokremmos | 35% |
| Mavrokolympos | 30% |
| Dipotamos | 25% |
| Kalavasos | 22% |
| Lefkara | 17% |
| Achna | 8% |
The summary is provided in the October 14, 2026, release, based on data from the Department of Water Resources Development. The values describe the state prior to the assessment of inflows related to the forecasted rainfall.
Water in Cyprus also comes from desalination
Filling the reservoirs is important for the island's water management, but they are not the only source of supply. Cyprus also benefits from seawater desalination and reclaimed water, which is used for irrigation, among other things.
Even a positive inflow after storms does not mean an end to the need to conserve water or reduce dependence on rainfall.
Rain also after the warning ends
Rain is also forecast for Thursday and Friday. Periods of rainfall may also occur over the weekend, although according to the forecast, it should not be as intense as Wednesday's.
The meteorologist noted that it's too early to provide a reliable weather assessment until the end of October. Therefore, the current change shouldn't be taken as confirmation of a prolonged, rainy period.
The most urgent priority remains preparing for severe storms. A potential inflow of water into reservoirs will benefit the island's resources, but it does not reduce the risk of flooding, hail, and gusty winds. During intense storms, avoid unnecessary travel and drive on flooded roads.
Sources: Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus Meteorological Service, Water Resources Development Department, CyprNews.
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