Extreme August Weather Hits Eastern Mediterranean, Causing Fatalities and Flooding

An unusual and severe weather system is impacting the Eastern Mediterranean region, bringing intense thunderstorms, lightning, hail, strong winds, and heavy rainfall in the midst of August. Cyprus has experienced the most severe effects, with one person killed and two rescued after their boats capsized in rough seas near Cape Greco. Another man was struck by lightning in Larnaca, sustaining minor burns.

In Cyprus, heavy rains transformed roads into rivers, uprooted trees, and caused widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands. The Cyprus Electricity Authority reported numerous faults in the medium-voltage network. A lightning strike ignited a fire in a warehouse, forcing a family to evacuate their home. Damage was also reported to greenhouses, solar installations, and private property. The storm disrupted air travel, diverting 11 flights destined for Cyprus to other locations, including Greece and Lebanon, though air traffic gradually returned to normal.

Syria has also been hit by intense rainfall, particularly in the Latakia governorate, leading to flooded roads, fallen trees, and landslides. Civil defense teams worked to pump water from inundated areas. Dramatic footage emerged of a powerful lightning strike near a child filming the storm in Idlib province, though the child was reportedly unharmed. Syrian authorities warned of flash floods, hail, and strong winds, with the storm expected to continue through Sunday evening.

Lebanon recorded heavy rains, thunderstorms, and hail in several areas, described as highly unusual for late August, especially in the north and coastal regions. Jordan's Meteorological Department issued warnings for overnight and Sunday rainfall, particularly in the north, with potential for flash floods. Israel is also anticipating local rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail, with a risk of flooding in areas like Haifa and the Sharon region, though the full extent of the impact remains uncertain. Greece, in contrast, expects only localized rain and isolated thunderstorms in its western and northern inland areas.