Cyprus dam levels currently stand at 36.8% of total capacity, with heavy rainfall expected to increase water inflows as an orange weather warning comes into effect on Wednesday afternoon.
The warning will remain in force from 15:00 on Wednesday until 05:00 on Thursday, with western and southern coastal areas, particularly the districts of Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca, most likely to experience severe weather.
Meteorological Officer Andreas Chrysanthou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that rainfall is expected across the island, although its intensity will vary by location and the severe conditions will not persist throughout the entire warning period.
“The severe weather phenomena will be isolated,” he said.
Nicosia is also expected to experience rain and isolated thunderstorms, although conditions are forecast to be less intense than along the western and southern coasts.
Possible CY Alert notification
Asked whether a warning might be issued through the CY Alert system, Chrysanthou said the decision falls under the responsibility of Civil Defence, which has already been informed of the situation.
“You may possibly receive a CY Alert,” he said, adding that coordination has taken place with the Department of Meteorology.
Rainfall could increase dam inflows
Chrysanthou said the expected rainfall could contribute to increased inflows into the island’s reservoirs, although the extent of the improvement will only become clear after the storms.
“The rainfall that is coming is capable of producing inflows into the dams. Whether these will be substantial or limited remains to be seen,” he said.
Further rainfall is expected on Thursday and Friday, with occasional showers also possible over the weekend, although these are not expected to match the intensity of Wednesday’s storms.
Regarding the outlook for the remainder of October, Chrysanthou said it was too early to make reliable predictions, but added that “the signs are positive”.
Cyprus dam levels: Current reservoir storage
According to figures from the Water Development Department, Cyprus dam levels stand at 36.8%, with approximately 110.3 million cubic metres of water stored out of a total capacity of 300.1 million cubic metres.
Kalopanayiotis Dam has the highest storage level, at 100% capacity.
Other reservoirs with relatively high storage levels include Klirou-Malountas-Akakiou at 87%, Solea at 84%, Tamasos at 79%, Xyliatos at 74%, Vyzakia at 71% and Arminou at 63%.
The remaining reservoirs are at the following levels:
| Dam | Capacity filled |
|---|---|
| Pomos | 60% |
| Germasogeia | 48% |
| Agia Marina Chrysochous | 48% |
| Argaka | 44% |
| Polemidia | 43% |
| Kannaviou | 42% |
| Evretou | 39% |
| Kouris | 37% |
| Asprokremmos | 35% |
| Mavrokolympos | 30% |
| Dipotamos | 25% |
| Kalavasos | 22% |
| Lefkara | 17% |
| Achna | 8% |
The anticipated rainfall could provide a welcome increase in reservoir inflows, although officials have cautioned that the actual quantities will depend on how the weather develops.
Also read: Orange warning for thunderstorms, how to stay safe
Read also: Turkey seeks equal status in EU industrial policies
