Cyprus: Disruptions following severe weather ongoing in the Germasogeia area of Limassol as of Feb. 15

Weather-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of the Germasogeia area on the eastern outskirts of Limassol as of Feb. 15. A severe storm overnight Feb. 13-14 was accompanied by at least two tornadoes and the strong winds have caused widespread damage in the area. Response operations and damage assessments are ongoing in the region as of Feb. 15; initial assessments indicate at least 156 homes, two apartment buildings, eight commercial buildings, and 24 vehicles have been damaged. Authorities are working to restore power in the affected area after the storm downed power lines and damaged electricity supply infrastructure. Traffic has been restored on the Limassol coastal road as of Feb. 15; however, several other roads remain closed due to debris from the storm.

Further adverse weather is forecast across the region in the coming hours and days; the Cyprus Meteorological Department has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings across Cyprus through at least Feb. 16. Severe weather may cause additional disruptions and hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Further urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services may occur where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in storm-affected areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.