By RODEINA KENAAN Associated Press Writer

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) -- A storm brought snow, strong winds and heavy rains to Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East Thursday, causing traffic accidents, uprooting trees and disrupting communications and power supplies.

The snowfall blocked most mountain roads and disrupted traffic on the highway between Beirut and Damascus, Syria. Strong winds lashed Lebanon's 120-mile Mediterranean coast, uprooting telephone and power poles. On the coastal road between Beirut and Sidon, five people were injured in a traffic accident, police said.

Snow and unusually low temperatures were reported in several other countries in the Middle East on Thursday, but only Egypt reported fatalities due to the weather. Police there said heavy downpours and fog caused 14 separate traffic accidents, killing three people and injuring 71.

Heavy snow piled up in Jerusalem and other hilltop areas in Israel, creating picturesque scenes but closing roads and causing traffic jams.

Snowstorms hit Jerusalem only once every few years, and the city does not have snow removal equipment. City officials advised residents not to drive their cars.

Heavy rain also fell in parts of Israel, flooding some streets and backing up traffic.

Despite the damage, the storm had a positive side. The Sea of Galilee, Israel's main source of drinking water, was rising after being depleted dangerously because of a drought last year.

A Lebanese police statement said weather conditions were expected to worsen, with snowfall forecast for all parts of the country, including the capital of Beirut, where heavy rains flooded most streets.

Television and radio stations broadcast hourly updates on road conditions, and authorities said power supplies will be rationed in some areas due to damage caused by the storm.

Thursday's storm followed unusually heavy rains which caused rivers to flood in north and south Lebanon, destroying property and crops.