Snow storm eases, only to be renewed on Saturday

The storm eased on Friday afternoon after snow fell at a 400 meters altitude, only to be renewed on Saturday.

Roads were blocked at altitude above 700 meters in Keserwan due to accumulated snow that fell overnight, on Friday. The storm also caused power shortage in a number of mountain villages where snow fell at 400 meters.

According to the meteorological department in the Civil Aviation Authority, the weather will see some improvements starting Friday night. However, the department added that snow will continue falling at altitude of 700 meters and that at noon coastal areas will witness high winds and heavy rain which will last through the night. The department also said that snow will fall at altitude of 800 meters, adding that waves will reach four meters at night.

Most mountain roads in the district of Akkar have been blocked by heavy snow fall. While snow plowing machines are working on reopening the roads, their efforts are being hampered by the continuous snowfall.

A remarkable number of citizens were short on diesel oil and had to resort to gas stations. The stormy weather also damaged phone lines and internet connection. Residents of mountain areas called for intensifying snow plowing efforts especially that some villages are isolated because of the snow. Students in coastal areas enjoyed a snow day, while farmers suffered from the damages done to their crops. 

Chouf villages and towns at altitude above 1,000 metres became isolated. Al Doniyeh brush lands as well as Maarboun and Ham in the district of Baalbek also became secluded. 

Snow also blocked the Sidon-Jezzin road on the outskirts of Dahr el Ramleh. In Hasbaya, all roads leading to Ain Kifa, Shuwaya, Shebaa, Rashaya Al Fakhar, Kfar Hamam and Kfar Chouba as well as the Abariya-Shebaa road, Al Kafir Ain Atta road, Rashaya Al Wadi- Shebaa road have been blocked. Snow covered all towns and villages in Al Kharoub region, blocking all roads and forcing schools and to close businesses to close.

The storm also damaged crops and plastic greenhouses, while municipalities are working relentlessly to open all roads.