More snow, colder temperatures on the way (Update 3)

Isolated storms and snow are expected on Tuesday while temperatures will drop further mid-week, the director of the meteorological service Kleanthis Nicolaides said on Monday.

According to Nicolaides, snow at Troodos square reached 42cm while more snow was expected in the mountains on Monday night and Tuesday as well as showers and isolated storms.

Temperatures ranged from 10 to 12C inland and -4C in the highest mountains during the day on Monday and would drop to 2C inland and -7 in Troodos during the night. On Tuesday, temperatures were expected in similar levels.

On Monday afternoon, the met service issued a yellow weather warning for rain in force from 2am to 4pm on Tuesday.

Residents of mountainous areas in the Nicosia and Paphos district told the media they have been staying at home citing the low temperatures and slippery roads due to the snow.

And temperatures will drop further on Wednesday as a second wave of ‘Elpis’ cold front will hit the island, Kleanthis told state radio on Monday.

He added a small rise will be recorded on Thursday and Friday with temperatures ranging one to two degrees below average levels for the season.

Meanwhile, traffic restrictions continued on Monday morning on roads leading to the mountains as snow continues to affect the area, police said.

Roads at higher altitudes are only open to those with four-wheel drive or snow chains.

The roads closed to all other types of vehicle are: Prodromos-Troodos, Platres-Troodos, Karvounas-Troodos, Pedoulas-Prodromos, Pedoulas-Pinewood-Kakopetria, Kakopetria-Karvounas, Kakopetria-Spilia-Kannavia and Prodromos- Platres.

Police also urged drivers to exercise caution as roads my be slippery and to watch out for land slides, especially on the Palaichori-Agros road.

More information before heading out can be found on: http://www.cypruspolicenews.com/