(Mohamed el-Shahed/ AFP)An unusually powerful storm has slammed into the Middle East, unleashing torrential rain, destructive winds and towering walls of dust. This storm is occurring as Egypt, Israel and other nations in the region are confronted by the growing threat from the novel coronavirus. The vigorous storm, nicknamed the “dragon” on social media, has left five dead in Egypt and is plowing toward Israel. The storm has whipped a sharp cold front east, stirring up a round of strong thunderstorms over the Sinai Peninsula. That’s helped both to intensify the surface low pressure cyclone and load it up with strong winds.

Source: Washington Post March 12, 2020 20:52 UTC