BEIRUT: Storms and low temperatures that hit the country midweek are expected to continue across Lebanon until Sunday, with a peak Friday night. Bulldozers worked to clear roads blocked by layers of ice and snow across the country Wednesday.

In the north, snow fell at altitudes of 500 meters and covered several villages, with Akkar particularly badly hit.

The Kawshara, Beer al-Sindyeneh, Qobbeyat and Andket roads were all blocked by layers of ice and snow, as were all roads connecting mountain areas above 800 meters, including the road from Qobbeyat to Hermel and the road from Mish-Mish to Hermel.

Heavy rain caused landslides in Batroun, while snow blocked the road between upper Tannourine and Laqlouq.

The Metn region was hit by power cuts throughout the day, while in Diniyeh, north Lebanon, road closures blocked the main route to the public hospital and caused some public and private schools to close at midday.

In Tyre, strong winds caused waves to reach nearby streets, and uprooted trees and electrical wires. Several other villages in the south, especially those along the border with Israel, also experienced power cuts, as Electricite du Liban electricians worked to reconnect homes.

Lakes and rivers flooded in several areas across the country, including the Abdeh and Al-Kawshara villages in the north and in the Litani, Hasbani and Wazzani rivers in the south.

Wind also caused damage to agricultural fields in the northern Zghorta area and the south, particularly Marjayoun.

Rain and thunder is expected Thursday, with snow at 800 meters during the day, especially in north Lebanon. Temperatures are expected to range from 0 degrees inland to 12 degrees on the coast, with western-southern winds at a peak of 90 kilometers per hour.

Friday is expected to see a further drop in temperatures with some rain and snow.