Following is the weekend forecast for Yerushalayim and other areas of Eretz Yisrael. When we refer to “weekend” in Israel, we are reporting on erev Shabbos and Shabbos.

The official report for Jerusalem is 7 centimeters (2.7 inches) of snow fell, an all time record for December in Yerushalayim, Channel 2 News reports. However, many neighborhood streets and other areas had considerably more snow accumulating as a result of strong wind gusts and more snow in certain areas of the city.

As the afternoon sun begins setting the snow has turned to rain. Temperatures are beginning to drop as northern winds increase in intensity. Strong rainfall is expected during the night, on erev Shabbos and Shabbos and depending on the temperature in northern areas and mountainous areas over 700 meters, that main translate to snow. This includes the capital. Isolated thundershowers are part of the forecast as well.

For most of the country is will translate to a great deal of water, flash flooding and the trials and tribulations that are synonymous with heavy rainfall over a prolonged period of time. As sunset draw near bus service in Yerushalayim remains sporadic and many neighborhood side streets remain blocked. The Jerusalem – Tel Aviv Highway and Route 443 have reopened to and from the capital.

The Jerusalem light rail is operating; reporting service has been restored to the entire route.

According to reports from the capital’s traffic cam center, which monitors 150 traffic cameras in and around the city, traffic is moving, albeit slowly, and once again, bus service is sporadic and poor at best. Nevertheless, motorists are still being urged to leave cars at home as roads are dangerous.

As the first blast of winter hit the capital City Hall is the target of harsh criticism and anger along with the city’s police. Residents want to understand why bus and light rail service were stopped and roads closed as City Hall boasted it is ready for the storm. Mayor Nir Barkat has not made any public statements to the press, and despite explanations from members of his staff it is clear the city’s performance was dismal at best.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)