As Cyprus braced for the coldest days of winter to date, police on Friday urged motorists to avoid unnecessary movement and be extra careful when driving, as heavy snowfall, even at lower areas, had forced the closure of numerous roads while rendering others dangerous.
Snow fell in lower areas, reaching Ergates, Pera Orinis, and Malounta. It also covered the Pentadaktylos range in the north of the island.
Some areas also saw strong winds and rain.
Paphos saw torrential showers early on Friday while strong winds caused a tree to fall onto a car in Kato Paphos.
Police said all roads to Troodos were closed, as were numerous thoroughfares in relatively lower areas due to snow and ice.
Temperatures on Friday evening reached -6C in Prodromos, the highest village, and zero inland – 8C below the normal for the season.
On Saturday, temperatures were expected to be 9C inland, 10 in coastal areas, and -3 on the mountains, which will also see frost.
The temperature is expected to rise by four, five degrees on Sunday, but it will still be below normal two or three degrees below normal.
Police said weather conditions changed continuously and drivers were advised to check with their force’s website and its social media accounts for updated reports about road conditions.