One person died, and six others were rescued after a storm and rough seas caused three boats to hit rocks and sink off Cyprus on Saturday, local media reported.
A man was pulled unconscious from the sea by a rescue helicopter near Cape Greco on the island's southeastern coast and was later pronounced dead, while two of the survivors were treated in hospital, Sigmalive reported.
Extreme weather hit Cyprus on Saturday and was expected to last into the evening, with thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible tornadoes, Cyprus media reported.
According to the Cyprus Meteorological Department, the weather had reached almost all of Cyprus, and waterspouts had already been recorded at sea off Larnaca, raising concerns over possible tornadoes.
Temperatures are expected to begin rising gradually on Sunday, approaching the seasonal average by Wednesday, according to Cyprus media.
Nationwide warning released
A nationwide notification was sent at 12:15 p.m. to warn the public of heavy rainfall and the heightened risk of flooding, and to advise on how to stay safe.
“Extreme National Alert: Your area is experiencing heavy rainfall with an increased risk of flooding. Avoid unnecessary travel and remain in your home for your own safety. Please stay informed and follow the instructions of the authorities,” the alert said.
Multiple roads have been closed due to rock and soil landslides, and all drivers were urged to exercise caution and travel at low speeds.
One man has been hospitalized with minor burns after being struck by lightning in Larnaca. Doctors treating him told Cyprus media he was in good condition.
Flights to Cyprus were diverted to other airports, and some departing flights had been delayed, but Cyprus media reported that the situation had returned to normal by midday Saturday.
Lior, an Israeli tourist in Cyprus, spoke to N12 about the suddenness of the storm she and her family experienced in Paphos.
"It started with really strong winds, and within a few hours the sky turned gray, and it started to rain. We couldn't believe that in the last week of August we would get such an unusual storm," Lior said.
Israel prepares for unusual summer storm as weather hits neighboring countries
Similar weather conditions were registered in Israel's northern neighboring countries, with winds of up to 70 km/h and rains reported in both Syria and Lebanon.
Israel is expected to face strong winds on Saturday afternoon, up to 50 kph, with gusts up to 70 kph, according to a Yellow Warning from the Meteorological Service.
The warning, which lasts from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., noted that the southwesterly winds are forecast to affect most of the country, including the entire coastline, the Golan Heights, Judean Foothills, northern Samaria, and the Negev.
The Meteorological Service advised the public of the risks posed by the high winds, including difficult driving conditions, power failures, and falling trees.
In addition, the Ben-Gurion Airport, Herzliya Airport, Haifa Airport, and Rosh Pina Airport Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) noted temporary wind and gust advisories for arriving and departing aircraft.
A High Sea Swimming Danger Orange Warning was further issued for the Israeli coastline until 10:00 p.m., advising of waves as high as 2 meters and increasing.
The storm is expected to affect northern Israel, with the epicenter in the Northern Galilee region, and authorities are warning the public to be responsible and avoid areas that could be affected by flooding.
Aaron Glick contributed to this report.
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