Early Winter Storm Raises Hope for End to Summer Drought

The rain and snow that usually feed Lebanon's rivers and wells never arrived last winter, causing a severe water shortage in the summer. But a November storm this year blanketed Lebanon's peaks with snow and brought with it heavy rain in coastal areas, raising hope for the end to the drought.

Several mountainous roads were blocked across Lebanon on Wednesday after the storm dubbed Nancy dumped several centimeters of snow.

Meanwhile, heavy rain and cold wind lashed the coast, a scene not much witnessed in November in the past years.

At the start of summer, the authorities called on citizens to avoid washing cars and even to minimize personal water usage, including showers.

Lebanon's meteorological service had said there was just 431 mm of precipitation between September and May, far below the yearly average of 812 mm.

The increase in the country's population because of the presence of around 1.5 million Syrian refugees made the drought serious.

But this year, experts hope the heavy rainfall that Lebanon witnessed in October, in addition to the early winter storm that lashed the country this week will make up for last year’s severe winter drought.

The storm is expected to subside on Thursday.

G.K.

H.K.