CYPRUS: New Year starts with another yellow warning for stormy weather

Cyprus’ Meteorology Department issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms on Wednesday as bad weather on the island continued into the New Year.

The department warned that thunderstorms, probably accompanied by hail, are expected to affect many parts of the island.

It said accumulated heavy rainfall may exceed 35 millimetres per hour.

Police have also announced that all roads leading to the Troodos mountains and its highest peak, Olympus, are open only for four-wheel drive vehicles or vehicles with anti-skid snow chains.

A heavy hailstorm was affecting the popular mountain resort area of Platres.

According to the police the snow on Olympus has reached 25 centimetres and on Troodos square 15 centimetres where temperatures have dipped below zero.

The road from Yerasa village to Kalo Chorio village has become dangerous for vehicles due to rockfall.

Mountain roads from Kakopetria to Karvounas and Pedoulas to Prodromos are described as slippery.

Police urge drivers to be particularly careful, not to speed, keep their distance from other vehicles and keep their headlights on in such dangerous conditions.