Power outages and severe air pollution expected due to freak weather
The Israel Electric Corporation is gearing up for problems due to sandstorms, thunderstorms and lightning; the combination of dust and rain could lead to power outages.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection said on Wednesday afternoon that there was a marked increase in the concentration of dust in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley, the Negev and Eilat. An increase in concentrations was also felt in the coastal plain, but in the north of the country the concentrations were very low. In the coming hours the quality of the air in all areas is expected to worsen and reach dangerous levels all over the country.
The ministry warned populations that are sensitive to aerial pollutants to avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors.
A statement from the Israel Electric Corporation stated that it was preparing for hazards on the power grid: "The IEC has received from the Meteorological Service a weather alert that includes strong easterly winds blowing from the north of Saudi Arabia and Jordan towards us, causing sandstorms and dust which will limit visibility. During the afternoon, clouds, thunderstorms and lightning are expected to develop. The haze is expected to continue into the night and tomorrow, especially in the north of the country."
The IEC added that the combination of dust and rain could lead to power outages. They mentioned that in the event of broken wires or damage to electric equipment, one must stay away from the area and report it to emergency phone number 103. It is also necessary to strengthen objects and accessories that can break and fly off in the wind: shutters not connected properly, lids, containers and storage tanks on roofs, flower pots and so on.
Weatherman Nahum Malik from Meteo-Tech noted that on Tuesday afternoon there was light to medium haze throughout the country. Rain fell in the south and is expected to strengthen towards evening and spread to the rest of the country. The rain may be accompanied by thunderstorms and strong gusts of wind.
In the south and at the Dead Sea there is a risk of floods in the afternoon and evening. "The weather is very unstable," said Malik. "It's a system that comes from the Red Sea, that is spreading and covering the whole country and hence the rain that is spreading from the south across the country. Due to instability in the system there may be severe weather events - heavy rain, strong winds, sandstorms and floods."
