Officials of Israel Fire Service rescue units report today, Wednesday morning, 6 Adar 5772; they have completed preparations for the predicted winter storm. Meteorologists predict temperatures will continue to drop today, tomorrow and erev Shabbos, and the rainfall accompanied by occasional thundershowers and very strong winds is expected to escalate to a full winter storm. The heart of the storm is expected to hit on Friday, and once again, there is talk of snow accumulations in areas above 700 meters, including Yerushalayim.

Storm preparations are underway in the capital as well for a second time in as many weeks, and the weatherman is predicting this storm will continue until at least through Sunday, 10 Adar. Magen David Adom and other EMS services are preparing vehicles and personnel to move to storm alert mode, as is the case with other emergency agencies.

Rescue officials around the country are issuing warnings to travelers, especially those heading south; areas where flash floods are common in this kind of storm.

Wind gusts in Yerushalayim on Wednesday morning are quite intense, picking up as the temperature continues to fall. By erev Shabbos the temperature is expected to hover around freezing or below, clearing the way for a change of rain to snow.

The last predicted storm did not leave a white blanket in the capital, to the disappointment of many Yerushalmi children, but according to Channel 2 TV weather, this time, the chance of snow accumulations in the capital is about 80%.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)