Storm Elena has begun to affect Cyprus with heavy rainfall reported in Pissouri and Saittas, police said on Tuesday, urging drivers to exercise caution and maintain safe distances from other vehicles.
The low-pressure system, centred over the Ionian Sea, is expected to intensify its impact on the island on Christmas Day, the Department of Meteorology
This afternoon will see mostly cloudy conditions with local rain and possible isolated thunderstorms, primarily affecting mountainous, western and southern regions. Sleet is possible on the highest peaks of the Troodos mountains. Winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly, light to moderate at 3 to 4 Beaufort, occasionally reaching 5 Beaufort in windward coastal areas.
Christmas Day will bring increased cloud cover with scattered showers and thunderstorms, possibly accompanied by hail. Sleet is likely in the Troodos mountains, with prolonged precipitation expected in mountainous, southern and western windward areas. Wind speeds may reach 6 Beaufort in coastal regions.
The weather system will continue to affect the island through Thursday and Friday with widespread rain, thunderstorms, and snow in higher mountain areas. Conditions are expected to improve significantly by Friday evening.
Temperatures will drop gradually until Friday, falling below seasonal averages, before returning to normal levels by Saturday, the Met Office said.
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