Storm Barbara unleashed its fury on Israel on Monday morning with strong winds, heavy rain, and near-freezing temperatures, with snow forecast for the coming days in higher elevations. Mount Hermon, which saw its first snow earlier this month as the storm made its initial inroads, was expected to officially launch its ski season this weekend as the mountain got a thick canopy of white powder.
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The strongest gusts were particularly noticeable along the coast, turning the sea dangerously turbulent. Authorities warned that parts of the country could see flooding. The Ministry of Health warned that conditions in the Negev could produce extremely high pollution as the strong winds carry sand and dust from Sinai.
Video: Avi Cohen
The strong winds have already caused several casualties in central Israel. A 23-year-old female cyclist suffered from head injuries after a glass window fell from a residential building in Tel Aviv. A 13-year-old girl was found lightly wounded by paramedics near a fallen tree in Or Yehuda. Both victims are now recovering in the hospital.
The rain and winds are expected to taper off Wednesday and Thursday, which will be followed by frigid temperatures. Barbara came to Israel after dumping snow on Athens and other parts of Greece. At sea, high winds forced ships to alter sailing plans.
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