Cyprus is experiencing a prolonged spell of heavy rain and thunderstorms, causing flooding, landslides and road closures across the island. 

The meteorological department has issued a yellow warning from 5am to 4pm on Wednesday as rain and storms continue.

Meteorologist Andreas Chrysanthou told the Cyprus News Agency that heavy, persistent rain will mainly affect eastern parts of the island on Wednesday. 

On Thursday, conditions will improve slightly, though local showers and scattered thunderstorms cannot be ruled out.

From Friday, he said the weather will become milder, with little or no rain expected on Saturday. Sunday may see rain again, stronger than the weekend showers but below Wednesday’s levels. 

Almost half of the typical December rainfall has already fallen in just three to four days, described as very significant by meteorologists. 

The rain is considered highly beneficial for groundwater levels and reservoirs. Full impact on dam inflows will depend on the remainder of this week’s weather, as stronger rainfall is still required.

Looking ahead to Christmas, Chrysanthou said it was too early to make precise forecasts. Early indications suggest “good Christmas conditions” though rain may still occur, consistent with December’s generally wet trend.

Meanwhile, several roads in the Troodos mountains have been affected by rockfalls and soil movements. 

Police and emergency services have urged residents and drivers to take extra care, particularly in mountainous areas.

The affected routes include Kalo Chorio Orinis to Gourrio, Gourrio to Lazania, Lazania to Machairas, Kalopanayiotis to Moutoullas, Pedoulas to Prodromos, Prodromos to Lemithou, Kakopetria to Pinewood to Pedoulas, Kakopetria to Karvounas, and Kykkos to Pedoulas to Kambos. 

Police said smaller vehicles are particularly at risk and advised reducing speed and following instructions. Conditions on other roads remain normal.

The fire brigade responded to three calls overnight linked to the severe weather. In Larnaca, firefighters pumped water from a boat. In the Famagusta area, two separate calls involved pumping water from flooded basements in Dherynia and Protaras. 

Strong winds caused additional damage. In Pernera and along 1st April avenue in Paralimni, ten cypress trees, each around 2 to 2.5 metres tall, were knocked down. No injuries were reported. Residents in affected areas were advised to secure outdoor objects.

Chrysanthou said Monday is forecast to bring more significant rainfall, which may continue into Tuesday. No prolonged dry period is expected over the next five days.

Winds will be mainly northerly to north-easterly, light to moderate at 3-4 Beaufort, becoming locally strong at 5-6 Beaufort. 

On Wednesday hail may fall in storm areas. Rainfall is expected at 35-55 millimetres per hour, with totals around 50 millimetres over six hours. In Troodos, light snowfall cannot be ruled out on the highest peaks.

Seasonal forecasts show that Cyprus has received 43 per cent of its annual rainfall so far. December is traditionally very wet along with January and February.