Snow blankets Hermon as cold front hits Israel

A major cold front is expected to hit Israel this week, with the first substantial snowfall this winter descending on the slopes of Mount Hermon on Saturday.

Rain started falling through much of the country Saturday, with Tel Aviv and Jerusalem experiencing scattered showers and some thunder and lightning Saturday evening. The brunt of the winter storm, however, is expected later in the week.

The Israel Meteorological Service predicted precipitation across the north and center of the country in the coming days, with heavy winds, isolated sandstorms and a strong likelihood of flash flooding throughout the south.

Channel 2 reported there was a chance of snow falling on Safed and Jerusalem.

The US Embassy issued a travel warning to citizens in the country in anticipation of the inclement weather.

Citing complications from last winter, the Embassy recommended that all citizens pack “warm winter clothing, boots, water, shovel and emergency food supplies,” while driving within the country and “consider deferring any non-essential travel.”

“Similar weather conditions at this same time of year in 2014 resulted in the closure of major roadways, stranded and isolated motorists, and difficult/perilous travel conditions,” the statement read.

The region experienced its worst winter storm in decades last winter, as snow and torrential thunderstorms battered the country, causing unprecedented flooding and stranding motorists.

Tens of thousands additionally lost power, as Gaza and the West Bank also grappled with overwhelming levels of precipitation.