THE fire department and police had a busy night on Thursday as severe winds uprooted trees and littered streets with debris.
In the Limassol area, the fire department rushed to more than two dozen locations to remove trees that were ripped out. In some cases the trees fell on roads and parked vehicles. No injuries were reported.
The winds also blew away metal ceiling panels and billboards.
In Trachoni, an uprooted tree slammed into the top of a moving car, smashing the windscreen. The passengers were unharmed.
In Polis Chrysochous, northern Paphos district, a palm tree fell on the roof of an elderly couple’s home.
Elsewhere in Paphos, flying debris smashed shop window fronts.
Likewise in Larnaca, the fire department received a number of calls to clear felled trees and billboards blown off their stands.
Larnaca district also experienced torrential downpours.
An uprooted tree landing on the Pyla-Larnaca highway temporarily brought traffic to a standstill. Traffic was restored shortly after.
Police are urging motorists to be careful, to drive slowly and keep a safe distance from vehicles in front.
Motorists are also advised to check police bulletins, posted on the police website (www.police.gov.cy), Facebook page (Facebook.com/cypruspolice) and Twitter account (twitter.com/Cyprus_Police).)
Earlier, the Met had warned of strong winds and storms as a low pressure system enveloped the island.
Met Service official Panayiotis Mouskou urged the public to be extra careful.
South-westerly winds will be especially strong on the west coast where the sea is expected to be rough.
“Not only fishermen but anyone living near the sea should be careful,” Mouskou said, “and of course those who have tree branches and other things lying around should clean them up.”
According to the service, the stormy weather will last at least until the early morning of Friday. There may be some storms inland and in the mountains as well, but winds will be weaker.
On Thursday night the temperature dropped to 12 degrees Celsius inland, 14C on the coast and 4C in the higher mountains.
Local showers are expected on Friday, with inland temperatures of up to 17C.
The weekend weather is forecast to be mainly sunny, with temperatures rising slightly.
