Israelis concerned that the world would end in a fiery, apocalyptic storm in
line with the end of the Mayan calendar on Friday were instead confronted with
the rain storms that hit the nation.
Though no once-in-a-civilization,
earth-wrecking storms surfaced, the Israel Water Authority said the severity of
Friday’s storms represented one of the most significant winter weather events of
the past decade.
Over 100 ml. of water fell in some towns in the North,
and Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) rose some 20 cm., leaving it three meters
and 19 cm. short of water. The level of the lake was expected to continue rising
over the next day.
The Israel Water Authority said that water levels rose
more in the month of December than in any other month in the past 10
years.
Mount Hermon was closed for visitors for the day after 25 cm. of
snow fell on the ski site overnight, Israel Radio reported.
Though significantly short of tsunamis, giant waves
closed docks in Haifa Port.
The storm tapered off on Saturday, but
weather forecasters predicted more rainy weather beginning on Monday.