Jerusalem gets ready for a snowstorm
Print Edition
WITH memories still fresh of the Holy Land’s worst storm in 50 years last winter, Israelis and Palestinians stocked up on supplies for a forecast heavy snowfall yesterday.
The approaching storm, which is due to peak today, was expected to be lighter than in December 2013, when snow fell for three days, paralyzing the region and causing power outages that left tens of thousands cut off.
Israeli television weatherman Danny Rupp predicted 12 to 24 hours of snowfall in Jerusalem. Barry Lynn, a meteorologist at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said the storm would likely dump between 25 and 60 centimeters of snow in the city.
Snowploughs and power crews were on alert in Jerusalem, northern Israel and in the Palestinian Territories.
As the skies darkened yesterday, people scurried for food supplies and paraffin heaters.
“We ran out quickly,” said a salesmen in Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda market.
Heavy rains and near-freezing temperatures threatened to deepen the misery in the Gaza Strip, where streets are still strewn with wreckage from a 50-day war with Israel last summer, thousands live in United Nations shelters, and the power is on only 6 hours a day.
“No electricity, no water, no reconstruction and now a storm. Our people need the help of the entire world,” said Samir Ali, 47, a Gaza city taxi driver.
Inside a packed supermarket, Jerusalem resident Alon Issashar said he’d hoped to beat the crowds by shopping early.
“As you can see Armageddon is coming,” he joked.
In Jerusalem, Mayor Nir Barkat said roads to the city were likely to be closed at the sight of the first snowflakes.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined police and emergency services officials to prepare for the storm.
“I ask all Israeli citizens to watch out for their neighbors’ welfare,” he said.
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