[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Betar Illit Mayor along with police officials prepares for the expected snowstorm that forecasters believe will blanket the Gush Etzion area. The mayor is seen signing permits for four-wheel drive vehicles that will be authorized to operate on the area roadways should a snow emergency be declared today, Monday, Tu B�Shevat and/or on Tuesday.

In the other photos, we see the heavy equipment on stand-by in Givat Shaul in the event snow accumulates in Jerusalem. The city reports it has enough equipment to plow and salt major vehicular routes.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: Media Resource Group)