It appears that this time around, weather forecasters got it right as the storm is moving on schedule. Snowfall is reported in the Golan Heights and road closures are reported.

This includes:

· Route 99 from Saar to Majdal Shams,

· Route 91 from Shiriyon Junction to Ein Zivan,

· Route 98 from Ramat Magshimim to Alonei HaBashan in both directions

· Route 90 is from Ein Bokek.

Israel Police, EMS, Rescue, Fire and other organizations stand ready, at high alert. Israel Electric Company technicians are getting ready for a long weekend and downed power lines are expected as the storm intensifies. The heart of the storm is expected on Thursday night through Friday morning.

Israel Police has set up an information number that will operate throughout the storm. The number to call is 110 from any phone.

Road closures will continue as the storm heads south. Israel Police has announced that once snow accumulations begin, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway (Route1) and the Jerusalem-Modi’in Highway (Route 443) will be closed as well. Bus service in the capital will hopefully continue on main vehicular routes as the city has 230 salt trucks standing by. The light rail hopes to continue running as well but if predications are realized, as high as 70cm (27.5 inches), it is highly unlikely that any public transport will operate in the capital.

Most Jerusalemites have already completed Shabbos shopping. Major bakeries including Angel’s and Berman’s distributed the amount of challos used on a Friday a day early in anticipation of the storm. It is not likely that stores will open erev Shabbos if accumulations are as high as expected.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)