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| Heavy rain caused severe flooding in northern Cyprus (Havadis) |
Heavy rain on Friday night and Saturday caused huge problems and damage in Northern Cyprus with crews scrambling to help the residents of flooded houses and drivers stranded on roads.
Reports said crews scrambled to assist people whose homes were flooded while a long stretch of the Nicosia to Famagusta road was shut to traffic because of the water.
Motorists on the Nicosia to Kyrenia road experienced difficulty due to fog and landslides affected Neo Horio, Koutsoventis, and Kythrea.
At Vouno, roads became inaccessible because of snow, which reached 2.4 centimetres. Bellapais also saw snow while homes flooded in Kazafani.
Turkish Cypriot media showed scenes of water running down the steps at Kyrenia harbour, flooding areas used by cafes and restaurants.
In the Republic, police said the Panayia to Kilada ton Kedron road was closed near Kountoures after a rock-slide late on Friday afternoon.
No other major problems were reported but police appealed to motorists to be cautious when driving on the wet roads.
Police urged the public to drive slowly and keep a safe distance from the vehicles ahead.
Motorists must also avoid driving through puddles because there was a danger of skidding and hydroplaning, police said.
Where necessary, drivers should turn on their lights to make their vehicles visible.
The Met Service said Saturday more rain and local storms, including hail, should be expected throughout the day.
Troodos mountain could also see some snow or sleet. In some areas snowfall could be intense and protracted. Temperatures will reach 14C inland, around 16C in coastal areas, and 6C in the higher regions.
Rain and local storms will persist on Saturday evening with temperatures dropping to 10C inland, 13C on the coast, and 3C in the higher areas where frost should also be expected.
The bad weather is set to continue on Sunday with no marked change in temperature. Local showers are expected on Monday and Tuesday along with a gradual rise in temperature, which will however, remain below the average for the season.
