Severe weather sweeping across Cyprus began causing problems on Saturday, with lightning sparking a fire and cutting electricity in the Avgorou area as powerful thunderstorms hit several parts of the island.
A lightning strike in the Ayios Nikolaos area of Avgorou caused a fire and power outage, according to the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC).
An EAC spokeswoman said the lightning struck a storage building, starting a fire and disrupting the electricity supply in the area.
Other reports said the lightning may have struck a home and put its occupants at risk, but this information has not been officially confirmed.
EAC crews were at the scene working to repair the damage. Initial estimates indicated that power was expected to be restored within about two hours.
Cyprus was placed under an orange weather warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday, with the Department of Meteorology warning that intense weather conditions would affect parts of the island.
The warning is in force from 10am until 7pm on Saturday, 29 August.
According to the Department of Meteorology, rainfall intensity could reach 55 to 70 millimetres per hour, while hail is also expected during thunderstorms.
Winds may become variable and strengthen temporarily during the storms, with stronger gusts possible.
Civil Defence urged the public to take the necessary precautions following the orange warning, as the severe weather could cause further problems.
