A snowy Mount Hermon in northern Israel. Photo: Almog via Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Israel on Tuesday prepared for the country’s first major storm of the winter, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and snow to northern Israel and Jerusalem. Powerful winds preceding the rain have prompted sandstorm warnings in southern Israel and the Negev Desert.

The Galilee and Golan Heights regions completed their preparations on Monday, with the Mount Hermon ski resort already reporting more than 8 inches of snow. “The moment the snowfall stops and the weather allows it, we will clear the ski trails and let the public come and enjoy,” site manager Shaul Ohana said.

Jerusalem was also preparing for the storm, taking precautionary measures after the experience of last winter’s blizzard, when drivers were stranded in their cars and entire neighborhoods lost power. The police have decided to close off the main highways leading to Jerusalem even before the storm begins, to prevent drivers from getting stuck.

“We have learned important lessons from the last blizzard. I believe we will weather this storm with more of a sense of joy than emergency,” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said.