Thursday, 1 Rosh Chodesh Adar 5775: There is not an emergency agency in Israel that is not playing a role in preparing for the major storm that is expected to hit later in the day. In Yerushalayim, 230 salt spreading trucks stand ready as shoppers have been hitting the shuk and supermarkets early amid a realization that is the predicted storm hits, no one will be outside on erev Shabbos. Walla News reports snow accumulations in the capital may reach 70cm (27.5 inches). Meteorologist Shlomo Uberman of Meto Tech adds “It is difficult to predict how much will accumulate based on past experience but in this case, we are not speaking of a mere 5-10cm, but more in the tens of centimeters. Jerusalem may hit a half meter or more and in the north, accumulations will be even more significant”.

In the northern mountainous regions, the snow will begin accumulating in the afternoon and evening and snow is expected in the Carmel, the Mountainous area of the center of the country and of course, the capital. In northern Israel, snow will begin pilling in areas over 200-300 meters altitude.

The main pier of the Haifa Port has already been shut down as the storm intensifies. Other piers in other ports have been shut as well. Forecasters predict the crux of the storm will hit Thursday night through Friday morning and accumulations will be seen in many areas that usually are not hit. This is due to low temperatures and atmospheric changes. These areas include Emek HaChola and Emek Yazriel in the Northern Israel; Modi’in and Ariel in Central Israel; and Arad and Dimona in Southern Israel. Snow accumulations may also be seen along coastal areas.

Predicted temperatures for Thursday day and night
• Tiveria: 11 day: 2 night (52F-35.5)
• Kiryat Shmona: 1 to 8 (33.8-46.4)
• Katzrin: 1 to 5 (33.8-41)
• Tzfas: -2 to 4 (28.4 – 39)
• Haifa: 3 to 10 (37.4 – 50)
• Tel Aviv: 5 to 11 (41 – 51.8)
• Jerusalem: -1 to 5 (30.2 – 41)
• Beersheva: 3 to 11 (37.4 – 51.8)
• Mitzpei Ramon: 30.2 to 42.8)

Wind gusts on Thursday afternoon will range from 40 to 60 KPH (25-36 KPH) but they will intensify to 85 KPH (53 MPH) and wave height will range from 6 to 9 meters.

Precipitation will continue on Friday and in areas receiving snow, accumulations will be heavy during the morning hours. The snow will however continue on Friday afternoon in northern higher altitude areas.

School Closings on Thursday
• Jerusalem: noon
• Mate Yehuda: 11:30
• Tzfas: noon
• Maalot: 13:00
• Kfar Veradim: noon
• Upper Galil Council: noon
• Meron Council: Schools closed
• Hebrew University: 13:00

The Ministry of Education information number is: 1-800-250-025

Hospitals on Alert
Ziv Hospital in Tzfas reports it will move to alert status on Thursday afternoon. A tractor is on hand to keep the access road to the hospital open to ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Tzfas City Hall says it is ready for the expected storm, adding roads to medical facilities and emergency centers will maintain highest priority.

Residents in areas where accumulations are expected are urged to stock up on water and food for a number of days if this has not already been done. Residents are also advised to have flashlights and emergency lights on hand, as well as items to maintain body warmth if power is down.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)