Snow covers the Syrian refugees camp of al-Hilal in the village of al al-Taybeh near Baalbek last week. (Credit: AFP)
BEIRUT — Torrential rains, thunderstorms and severe winds are expected later today, with sea waves up to 3 meters, according to the Meteorology Department of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has blocked roads above 1,000 meters across much of the country.
Here’s what we know:
• The department warns against taking mountainous roads, especially the Dahr al-Baidar road, as thick fog will make visibility near zero.
• Snow continues to accumulate at high altitudes, cutting off roads above 1,000 meters across much of the country. Snowpack has reportedly reached 1.5 meters in places. Some villages are without large bulldozers needed to clear roads.
• Municipal authorities in various regions warned citizens not to take mountain roads unless absolutely necessary. At least one family has already had to be rescued from a trapped car, according to local authorities in Kesrouan.
• A frost wave is expected tomorrow at a height of 700 meters and above, with snow above that altitude and rain below it. Thick fog will continue in the mountains.
• Friday is expected to see snow at 700 meters and above, and possibly scattered thunderstorms at lower elevations. Road conditions at high altitudes could remain icy.
• Coastal temperatures are trending 5 degrees below their seasonal average.
• Last week Lebanon was battered by winter storm Hiba, multiplying the hardships facing Lebanon’s most vulnerable amid an economic crisis that has seen prices, including for gas and heating fuel, soar.