Stormy weekend starts, Jerusalem prepares for snow

The Israeli Electric Company warned on Friday that flying objects could damage wires and transmitters, as weather reports predict winds of up to 90 kilometers an hour. At least three people have been hurt due to the extreme weather.

A large storm hit Israel Thursday evening, as waves along the coast reached heights of two meters and rain storms were felt throughout the country. Snow blizzards in the northern part of the Golan shut down schools and roads, but meteorologists say the storm still hasn’t developed to its fullest.

In Rishon LeZion two people were lightly injured when a tree uprooted by the winds fell on them, and an elderly woman in Netanya was hit by a gutter blown off the roof.

Jerusalem is preparing for snowfall over the weekend, as meteorologists predict a period of cold and stormy weather throughout the country.

According to the Israel Meteorological Service’s latest update Friday morning, temperatures will near the freezing point in Jerusalem on Saturday, and snowfall is predicted.

While snow is seen as a boon in Israel for its capacity to replenish the Sea of Galilee and other freshwater reservoirs, it can also be a logistical nightmare for a country more accustomed to high temperatures.

The Jerusalem Municipality is readying 50 snowplows and vehicles for spreading salt on frozen roads. Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat also directed the Social Welfare Department of the municipality to be ready to assist needy and elderly residents of Jerusalem with shelter, blankets and heaters. The municipal hotline, 106, will be operating on high alert.