Snow and hail damage crops, block multiple roads across Lebanon

Snow and hail hit parts of Lebanon on April 21, 2019, blocking multiple roads and damaging crops across the country.

Cedars recorded 40 cm (15.7 inches), leaving farmers worried that fruit-bearing trees will be damaged if temperatures drop further, The Daily Star reported.

5 to 20 cm (1.9 - 7.8 inches) of snow accumulated in Rashaya and Western Bekaa at an altitude of 900 m (2 950 feet),  damaging many greenhouses and trapping cattle.

Snow cut off the towns of Shebaa and Kfar Shuba in the country's south with 15 - 25 cm (5.9 - 9.8 inches) of snow while heavy rain caused Hasbani and Wazzani rivers to overflow.

Snow covered most of the towns above 1 100 m (3 600 feet) in Dinnieh, northern Lebanon, causing agricultural damage, especially to pear, apple and cherry trees.

Meteorology Department said cold temperatures are expected to last until April 22, when temperatures will start rising but remain below average.

Featured image credit: Ric Mtr