Weather brought worst pollution in 5 years
Environmental Protection Ministry says sand and dust storm was one of the largest in Israel in 5 years; in the north, snow is expected to fall on Mount Hermon.
Pollution caused by sand and dust storms blanketed the country, said the Environmental Protection Ministry. The pollution levels measured over the previous 24 hours were unusually high compared to previous years.
On a national level, it was the largest and most widespread sandstorm measured in Israel in the last five years. Similar levels were measured in March 2012 and May and December of 2010.
"The severe air pollution is expected to continue until the noon-afternoon hours, when significant rainfall is expected and the dust will settle. An additional improvement in the quality of the air is expected from the Sharon plains and coastal area to the Gush Dan area during the afternoon and evening hours. The air pollution will continue in other areas of the country at least until nightfall," the Environmental Protection Ministry said.
Wednesday's forecast predicted that rainstorms in the north would spread to the coastal plain, while snowstorms were expected on Mount Hermon and the northern Golan Heights.
Waves in the Mediterranean Sea were to range between five and seven meters (16 - 23 feet) near the shore, and 10 to 12 meters (about 33 - 39 feet) further out.
All internal flights were grounded on Wednesday morning, with the Eilat airport closing because of low visibility. International flights continued to operate as scheduled.
The weather was expected to remain unusually cold throughout the entire week.
Ahiya Raved contributed to this report.
