While the expected first winter snow storm is not predicted to be as harsh as last winter, it does appear enough snow will accumulate to stop public transportation and traffic in the capital, Tzfas, areas of Yehuda and Shomron, and the Golan Heights. What has authorities no less concerned are the areas prone to flooding and high winds. Snow accumulations are likely in areas over 600 meters in the north and center of the country. The current forecast predicts snow accumulations of 15-30cm (5.9 inches to 11.8 inches) in the capital.

Heavy equipment worked in the Jordan Valley on Monday 14 Teves trying to dig out bodies of water to make them deeper and wider, simply taking measures to prevent widespread flooding of agricultural fields. Persons residing in low lying area, areas prone to flooding have instructions as to what precautions they should take.

In the capital, Mayor Nir Barkat assures us that 150 plows and salting trucks are standing by and will be moving at the first sign of snow accumulations. Channel 10’s Monday evening news reported temperatures will drop sharply beginning on Tuesday, 15 Teves and the snowfall and heavy rains will begin in the north on Tuesday night. The storm will make its way to the Jerusalem Hills by late Wednesday morning 16 Teves and then the first signs of accumulations are expected.

Israel Police announce that they will be in constant contact with weather officials to receive real-time updates and in all likelihood, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway (Route 1) and Jerusalem-Modi’in Highway (Route 443) will be closed to and from the capital as soon as the snow begins piling up. Police insist they will do what they must to prevent a replay of last year when hundreds and possibly thousands of motorists were stranded, some for 16-18 hours and even longer, in frigid conditions without food and water. Mayor Barkat urges persons outside of the capital wishing to see the snow to come early and not wait for the snow to begin to accumulate for it will be too late.

The Israel Ports Authority announced that beginning from midnight on Tuesday, Terminal 1 at Ben-Gurion International Airport will shut to international flights, which will be moved to Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is expected to reopen on Friday morning. Israir and Arkia Airlines announced beginning Tuesday midnight they will halt operations at S’dot Dov Airport and move to Ben-Gurion Airport exclusively. The main concern at the airport is not snowfall, but heavy rains and even more significant, heavy wind gusts. Winds of 100 KPH (60 MPH) and higher are expected at times. Flight delays should be expected and travelers are urged to be in touch with airlines.

In Jerusalem and elsewhere, Magen David Adom and Ichud (United) Hatzalah are completing final preparations as they are all too aware their personnel will be taxed to the max during the storm. The fire department and police are also busy preparing and activating additional manpower to stand ready to address the storm and calls for assistance that result from such a storm.

Jerusalem officials are maintaining the municipality website and smartphone app, instructing residents to remain in touch and register to receive alerts. Parents are urged to check with officials before sending children to school on Wednesday as educational officials are still undecided, indicating they make close schools to prevent a situation in which students are stranded.

In Tzfas, municipality spokesperson Tamir Engel warns residents of downed power lines and power outages. Israel Electric Company officials have launched two situation rooms in the capital. Utility officials remind residents that if one sees a downed power line, to stay far away and immediately notify authorities.

On Mt. Hermon in the Upper Golan Heights, ski resort officials are pleased that there is always a coating of the magic white on the ground and they hope the predicted storm will permit them to announce the opening of the nation’s ski resort for the 5775 ski season.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)