A flash thunderstorm lasting some two hours swept through the capital yesterday afternoon, flooding dozens of basements and trapping motorists in their cars.

The downpour of rain and hail started around 2.30pm and was most severe in the suburbs of Strovolos, Dasoupolis and Lakatamia.The Fire Department responded to around 80 calls, a spokeswoman said. Most concerned flooded households and basements, while firemen rushed to the aid of three persons trapped in their cars from gushing waters on roads.

In the Sopaz area, firemen arrived in the nick of time to extract a driver just as his vehicle was about to be swept into a nearby river. The water level had reached the window of his vehicle, reports said.

No injuries were reported. The Fire Department also removed debris from a number of locations after several trees were felled by strong winds.

The Meteorological Service said the area around the island is currently under a low-pressure system. For the next three days, the service forecasts scattered showers and possible flash storms, mostly in mountain areas and the interior.

Temperatures will be near normal for this time of the year, ranging from 20C in the mountains to 28C inland.

Source: Cyprus Mail