A heavy weekend storm lashed ill-prepared Lebanon, ending weeks of unseasonable warm and dry weather and bringing the first snowfall of winter
A heavy weekend storm lashed ill-prepared Lebanon, ending weeks of unseasonable warm and dry weather and bringing the first snowfall of winter. Rain and hail whipped across Lebanon on Sunday as the long-awaited first snowstorm this year hit the country's mountains leaving commuters stranded on icy roads. One week earlier, preachers held public prayers for rain in the wake of the worrying dry spell, which has had a negative impact on the country’s water supplies. Some farmer were cheerful about the rainfall that would boast agriculture. However, the other face of the storm started to emerge as it has resulted in major damage throughout the country, destroying property and crops and turning roads into swamps. Winds along the coast topped 100 kilometres (60 miles) per hour and waves reached 10 metres (32.8 feet) in height . Lebanon's seaside roads and ports were closed on Sunday morning, hours after a 45-year-old woman was killed when a falling palm tree crashed into her car. President Michel Sleiman made several calls to ministers and officials to direct responses to the stormy weather, according to a statement issued by the president’s office. Sleiman directed the authorities to remain well-prepared for any emergency and to assist the citizens wherever necessary. The storm is set to continue for the next two days, with thunderstorms and rain, while some sunny spells are expected on Monday afternoon. Along the coast, high waves damaged agricultural plastic houses in some towns. The ISF and Civil Defense urged drivers on the Hermel-Qbeyyet road to place chains on the tires of their vehicles over fears of snow and formation of ice on the roads. The high winds also damaged electrical cables, causing power cuts in several towns throughout the country.For a Second Day, “Long-Awaited” Storm Rages in Lebanon Causing Damages
