While the expected snowfall in Eretz Yisrael is far from the accumulations seen on the east coast of the United States in recent days, snow fall is expected enough to disrupt life in Israel.

The Metrological Service in the Ministry of Transportation reported on motzei Shabbos that it is preparing for expected snowfall, to begin on Monday night. As of Sunday morning 14 Shevat it appears there may be 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snowfall in areas.

Temperatures on Sunday continue to drop as winds increase. In the north and center of the country, sporadic thundershowers are expected on Sunday and this will spread from the Golan Heights to the southern Negev. Snow will begin accumulating in areas over 900 meters altitude beginning on Sunday afternoon.

On the night between Sunday and Monday, as temperatures continue to drop, wet snowfall is expected in areas between 800-900 meters. It will be significantly colder on Monday, 15 Shevat, and snow is expected at 800 meters and at 700 meters in the Upper Galil area. At this time, snowfall may also accumulate in Yerushalayim and Tzfat.

Snowfall is also expected in Gush Etzion, areas of the Shomron and Har Hebron Hills beginning on Monday afternoon. This pertains to areas over 750 meters.

On Tuesday, heavy thundershowers are expected along the southern coast and northwestern Negev and there are flood warnings in place. Snowfall is expected over 750 meters in Jerusalem and other areas.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)