Rare tornado in Nicosia, Cyprus
Image credit: Kuriaki Demetriou (stillshot)
A rare tornado struck the province of Nicosia, Cyprus on July 11, 2024, after the meteorological department issued a Yellow warning for severe thunderstorms.
A rare tornado touched down in the Mammari area of Nicosia Province in Cyprus after the Cyprus Meteorological Service issued a Yellow warning for severe thunderstorms earlier that day.
“For a tornado to form, there must be significant vertical wind variation in the lower atmosphere and strong updrafts,” said a representative from the Cyprus Meteorological Service.
“When these conditions are met, the rotating column of wind is driven into the cloud, creating a low-pressure center that enhances wind speed and updrafts, leading to the formation of a tornado,” he added.
Observers captured the tornado on their phones and released several videos on social media:
There are no reports of damage or casualties.
On February 14, 2024, two destructive tornadoes hit Cyprus’ southern port city of Limassol, causing extensive damage. Local officials described the damage as ‘massive and unprecedented.’
References:
1 Rare tornado touches down in Nicosia – Kathimerini – July 11, 2024
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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