Highways 1 and 443 are closed. Snow is falling near Modiin. Jan 07, 2015, 02:00PM | Ami Streit

After several hours of heavy snow in the northern mountains, snow and sleet have begun falling in Jerusalem. Police have closed down highway 443 and highway 1, the main Jerusalem-Tel Aviv roads. Heavy snow has been falling over northern Israel for several hours, covering the Golan and Upper Galilee mountains in a foot of snow. Roads are shut down and public transport in all affected areas has either ceased operating or has been severely curtailed. About an hour ago, it reached Jerusalem, after first falling in Gush Etzion, which is about 100 meters (300 feet) higher than the Israeli capital city.

The IMS (Israel Meteorological Service) has announced that snow can also be expected in

areas of the Lower Galilee and Samaria, which are at least 600 meters above sea level. The storm is gradually moving south and by tromorrow, snow will be falling primarily in the Judean Mountains and the higher elevations of the Negev(areas above 850-900 meters). The coastal plain and northern valleys have been hit by heavy rains and gale winds. Many low lying areas, especially those near wadis (arroyos) and rivers, are in danger of flooding. Driving conditions are hazardous and the police have urged anyone who does not have to drive not to. High winds have caused significant damage, leading to the falling of trees and disrupting electricity supply.

Storm wreaks havoc across country

Trees have collapsed on power lines, leaving over 10,000 homes without electricity. Jan 07, 2015, 12:45PM | Ami Streit

The torrential rains and high winds have already caused major damage throughout the country, causing trees and other heavy objects to collapse. The major problem is the disruptions of the electric grid. Power outages began last night, when 1,200 homes in the Tel Aviv suburb of Petach Tikva were without electricity for several hours. Heavy snows have exacerbated the problem and currently, over 10,000 homes are without power, primarily in the north. The high winds that buffeted the coastal plain caused damage in Tel Aviv, Rishon LeTzion, Netanya, Ashdod and other large cities in the center of the country. The Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv may be shut down, if there is a danger the Ayalon river will burst its banks, as sometimes happens during severe weather.

Ben Gurion Airport is currently operating, but all domestic flights, which usually operate from Terminal 2, have been transferred to the newer Terminal 3, which usually handles only international flights. So far, take-offs and landings have not been delayed, but contingency plans are in place should they be needed.

Israel Police Weather Hotline: 1-700-705-100.

3:34 PM Thunder and lightning in Gush Etzion.

As the winter weather slowly winds its way towards the Holy Land, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu gathered officials in Jerusalem on Tuesday to review final details and preparation for the anticipated storm. Meeting in Jerusalem City Hall on January 6 were, among others, Mayor Nir Barkat and Jerusalem District Police Commander Moshe Edry, as well as representatives of the IDF, social welfare institutions, the Israel Electric Corp. and rescue services. “I am impressed by the authorities’ coordination and preparatory work,” Netanyahu said, summarizing the meeting. “We have three missions. The first is to save lives. The second is to ensure the continuity of essential services. The third is to provide mutual assistance and guarantee – residents helping residents. “Beyond what the state is doing and will do, beyond what the municipalities are doing and will do, I ask the citizens of Israel to watch out for their neighbors and to help. The people of Israel excel at this.” Last year’s storm found motorists scattered around on major arteries leading to the capital because numerous Israelis were curious and “wanted to see the snow.” This year officials are nipping that risk in the bud, and have announced that all major roads leading to the city will be shut down on Wednesday morning, when the storm is expected to hit the city.