Where ever one finds oneself this morning, Thursday, 7 Adar 5772 one feels the unseasonably cold temperatures. The winter storm predicted for the end of the week is well underway, blanketing the Hermon area of the northern Golan Heights with 50 centimeters (20 inches) of snow during the night. In higher altitude areas of the Golan, snow is falling and schools have been canceled in a number of areas.

Elsewhere is Israel, the story is rain, cold, high winds and a difficult day for persons trying to get around. In southern areas prone to flash flooding some roads are closed as a result of the heavy rains. Flooding and sewage system backups and collapse are reported in areas as well.

There have been reports of power outages due to falling trees. Israel Electric Company technicians are working overtime, warning the general public if a tree strikes an electric line not to attempt to handle the situation, but to keep people away and call police or the utility company.

With forecasters still signaling the possibility of snow in the capital on Friday Jerusalem sanitation workers remain on alert, with officials releasing statements the city stands ready to handle weather-related emergencies.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)