Classes were suspended for a day in Cyprus' mountainous regions on Thursday as heavy snowfall and ice made major roads impassable. Authorities confirmed that several schools remained closed for the second day in a row as safety concerns grew due to worsening weather conditions.

The Ministry of Education announced that Agros Apetio High School and Mitsis Commercial School in Lemythou, as well as several primary schools and kindergartens in the affected areas, remained closed. In Agros, Kyperounda, Pelendri, Pano Platres, Moniatis and Moutoullas, primary schools remained closed.

Police reiterated their warning of dangerous road conditions in the Limassol, Morphou and Nicosia regions. Authorities urged residents to keep themselves informed through police reports before any travel. Many mountain roads remain passable only for vehicles with four-wheel drive or anti-skid chains.

The cold spell in Cyprus has intensified, making it the coldest in the last 23 months. Temperatures have fallen well below the seasonal average and widespread frost formed overnight in the mountainous and low mountainous regions. While no significant weather phenomena are expected before Saturday, occasional snowfall may occur due to the rain/snow phenomenon caused by the sea effect.

Since Wednesday night, snowfall has spread across the mountains, and some areas above 400 metres have also experienced snowfall. Temporary snow cover has been observed above 500 metres. Sub-zero temperatures have been recorded in the Troodos Mountains, where the mercury has dropped to -1 degrees Celsius and frost has set in. The biting cold is exacerbated by strong northerly winds, which lower the perceived temperature.

The Cyprus Meteorological Authority has issued a yellow weather warning for particularly low temperatures in mountainous and low mountainous regions for Thursday night. Residents are urged to take precautions, especially in regions where ice poses a threat to travel and daily activities.

The nighttime temperatures led to further ice formation, making several roads dangerously slippery. Police confirmed that key routes such as Paleochori-Askas, Paleochori-Farmakas and Tsakkistra-Kambos were passable but extremely dangerous due to frost and compacted snow.

In the Limassol district, important routes such as Amiantos-Karvounas and Karvounas-Kyperounda-Agros remain dangerous. Similar conditions prevail in the Morphou and Nicosia regions, where the roads between Kalopanayiotis, Pedoulas, Prodromos and Kakopetria are difficult to navigate.

Authorities have urged drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys and to respect traffic regulations. Those who must drive are advised to drive slowly, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and obey all traffic signs.

While mountain communities are suffering from freezing temperatures, the rest of Cyprus has remained largely unaffected. Urban roads and highways remain operational and no significant traffic disruptions have been reported in lowland areas. However, occasional rainfall and strong winds have been observed in several coastal regions.

The Met Office is forecasting continued cold weather through the weekend, with further snow expected at higher elevations. Although temperatures will rise slightly from Saturday, they will remain below seasonal averages. Increasing cloud cover is expected to bring scattered showers and snow at higher elevations on Sunday and early next week.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates accordingly. Residents are advised to check official police and weather reports before making travel plans.











Source: Reporter