With forecasters sounding the alarm, predicting 6-12 inches of snow accumulations in Yerushalayim this week, residents are in a shopping frenzy. Supermarkets are packed like on an erev yomtov and the shuk is hopping with shoppers.

Many stores have exhausted their supply of mineral water, candles, dairy products, diapers and a great deal more. Suppliers appear to have moved up deliveries, trying to get products to stores and the shuk before the predicted snow begins piling in the capital late Wednesday morning. Many shoppers fear that deliveries on erev Shabbos will be delayed or possibly not get through at all so they are shopping now for the week, including Shabbos.

A similar shopping frenzy is reported in stores in Gush Etzion, where snow accumulations are expected too.

Jerusalem City Hall continues its preparations, with 150 salters and plows standing by. EMS, police, the fire department and other emergency services are preparing as well. Police this year promise highways leading to and from the capital will be closed as the first sign of snow accumulations to prevent a repeat of last winter’s storm when hundreds of motorists were stranded on Highway 1 and 443 for 12-18 hours.

The IDF is also preparing and it has soldiers, armored personnel carriers and four-wheel drive vehicles prepared to respond to any call for assistance.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)