Based on what is going on outside the forecasts predicting the first major winter storm in Israel appear on target. In Yerushalayim, steady rain continues to fall with the weatherman promising colder temperatures, increased rain and thundershowers along with a steady drop in temperatures towards Wednesday night, when the storm will peak.

Airports in Haifa and Rosh Pina closed on Wednesday morning, 8 Teves 5774 due to the inclement weather as snow is falling in portions of the Golan Heights.

Emergency crews are preparing in areas expecting snow accumulations while in some areas like southern Tel Aviv and the road to the Eilat the issue is flooding, not snow. Officials in Ben-Gurion International Airport are preparing for expected weather related flight delays, and in Yerushalayim, city sanitation officials are preparing plows and taking other steps to keep major vehicular routes operational in the prediction of snow pan out.

The storm is expected to peak on Wednesday night and emergency agencies nationwide are preparing as well. Magen David Adom is preparing its ambulances, some being equipped with chains. Crews are being placed on emergency schedule and other measures are being taken to prepare for the increased call volume.

EMS organizations already felt the result of the storm on Wednesday morning as the heavy rainfall resulted in a sharp increase in vehicular accidents. At Ichud Hatzalah’s national headquarters in Yerushalayim, officials have been preparing volunteers around the country, each according to the needs of their response areas. Additional dispatchers will be on hand as well to handle the increase in call volume. ZAKA reports it too has been preparing and like Ichud Hatzalah and MDA, its four-wheel drive and ATVs are being fueled and prepared to respond to any situation.

Yad Sarah is preparing as well, always on hand during storms for emergency transports of the elderly, dialysis patients and others in need. For urgent assistance one may phone *6444. Ezer Mizion in Jerusalem is preparing its ambulances too, which will stand ready to transport the infirmed during the storm. Ezer Mizion reports that top priority for transport will be given to dialysis patients. One wishing to make arrangements may phone 0-500-2111. The organization is also calling on owners with 4-wheel drive vehicles to assist. Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to phone 057-313-2728.

Fire Department officials fear the sharp drop in temperatures and increased demand for electricity will lead to additional fires. There are also issues dealing with downed power lines from strong wind gusts, which may reach 90KPH (55 MPH) in some areas. MDA officials have released an alert to the public to take extra care using heaters – to make certain they are well ventilated and that they are far enough from clothing and other flammable objects.

Fire officials and rescue teams around the country urge motorists to distance themselves from roads prone to flash flooding. Traffic snarls due to flooding and accidents are being reported around the country.

The Ministry of Transportation is operating its ‘situation room’ which is being monitored by representatives of many agencies including the Airports Authority, Israel Railways, Kvish 6, Ayalon Authority and others.

Photo: Mayor Nir Barkat looks on as plows are prepared ahead of expected snowstorm.

Photo: Haifa city employees preparing for the storm.

UPDATE:

12:00 IL: Snow will fall in the capital beginning on Wednesday night but it is too early to determine if there will be accumulations. Snow accumulations can be expected in mountainous regions above 700 meters in the north and the Jerusalem area.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)