Strong winds caused disruption and damage in the occupied areas in recent hours as severe weather continued to affect the area, according to reports in the Turkish Cypriot press.
According to those reports, storm-force winds damaged traffic lights on the occupied Nicosia-Kyrenia road, specifically in the Bogazi area. One set of lights became detached, disrupting the smooth flow of traffic at the junction until repair crews restored the fault.
Damage was also reported at a stadium in occupied Kioneli during a football match. Strong gusts caused protective wire fencing around the pitch, specifically behind the teams’ benches, to give way and lean over.
A weather warning has also been issued in the north, saying northerly and easterly winds are expected to continue until Sunday lunchtime. The Turkish Cypriot Meteorology Department said on Friday that storm conditions were expected on land and at sea from Saturday morning, with strong rain expected later in the day.
The warning says wind speeds may locally reach 62 to 74 kilometres per hour, while sea conditions may strengthen to force 8 in marine areas.
A separate advisory also urged increased caution over the coming period because of the risk of local flooding, hail and lightning.