While an inch of snow would not turn too many heads in New York City, in the Holy City of Yerushalayim such a forecast is sufficient to compel a snow alert. This may sound bizarre to some, but in reality, any snow accumulation in the capital is cause for concern as vehicle tires are not designed for snow and emergency vehicles do not routinely have equipment to operate in a snow-covered environment. Public transportation is halted and the situation can quickly become life-threatening for many.

At Jerusalem City Hall sanitation officials are planning amid forecasts of a stormy winter weekend which is expected to begin on Wednesday night with a drop in temperatures. As the rains gain intensity in the north temperatures are expected to drop significantly on Thursday, becoming “unseasonably cold” accompanied by thundershowers and heavy winds in many areas including Yerushalayim. It appears that temperatures may drop enough to turn the precipitation into snow on Shabbos.

City Hall reports 50 vehicles will be on alert status to begin clearing major vehicular arteries and spread salt if and when necessary. The staff manning the ‘106’ emergency city number will be increased as well to permit handling the expected influx of calls. Social workers and welfare officials are trying to make sure that the elderly, chronically ill and other high risk residents are not left alone as temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, with the city officials aware many homes simply do not have sufficient heat or an adequate supply of warm clothing and/or blankets. Many of the elderly have diminished sensation as well, and by the time they realize the sharp drop in temperatures, it may be too late to act.

City officials have instructed residents to leave a hot water faucet running slightly to maintain a constant flow of water to prevent freezing and cracked solar panels, which are not designed to withstand below freezing temperatures. Residents are urged to check heaters and to make certain that those heaters demanding fresh air exchange, such as gas and kerosene fueled are operated safely to avoid catastrophe chas v’sholom.

Residents are also asked to take lose items indoors, such a chairs, umbrellas and anything that can fly away and injure someone and where possible, to make certain solar panels and antennas are well secured to rooftops. City officials advise residents to make certain emergency lighting is operational, weather that entails a back up battery light or candles.

Shabbos day is expected to be especially cold, blustery and accompanied by heavy rains. The rainfall is expected to pick up in intensity during the afternoon hours, spreading to the northern Negev. As temperatures drop, snowfall is expected in areas over 700 meters altitude, including parts of Jerusalem.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)