Storm at Ilia Lake, Georgia

Ilia Lake in the northern part of Kakheti Region in eastern Georgia was constructed at the base of the Caucasus mountain range and across the road from the convergence of the Bursa River and the Chagurgula River. It lies in the Alazani Valley in the wine growing region.

The lake, about 140 kilometres from Tbilisi, was named after Georgian politician, lawyer, writer, an poet Ilia Chavchavadze (1837-1907). The lake is surrounded by forests, hotels, a 4 kilometre bike path, kiosks, recreation area, and restaurants. It’s depth is about 20 metres.

The resort is popular in warm weather as people swim in the lake. The lake has water all year round but the rivers dry up in summer. A flash storm, with whipping winds, sent visitors to the lake hurrying to their cars. The heavy rain and wind gusts ripped branches from trees. Up to four large tree limbs crashed onto different sections of the road along the Alazani Valley.

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