Winter storm hits Israel; Snow on Mt. Hermon
Mount Hermon turns white as snow falls in major winter storm. Dov and Haifa airports temporarily shut down due to fog, heavy rains. Storm expected to end late Wednesday
Winter is back to Israel, including the snow. Israel is in the midst of a major winter storm, which includes heavy rainfall, strong wind, and of course – snow on Mt. Hermon.
The wintry weather is expected to intensify overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday where the snow is expected to fall in Safed, central mountains, and in Jerusalem.
The snow on the Hermon began falling early Tuesday morning and has accumulated on the ground to a height of about 40 centimeters (15.72 inches) in the higher elevations and 10 centimeters (3.93 inches) in the lower elevations.
The temperatures are also expected to remain below the freezing point, and more snow is expected to fall overnight. Officials from the Hermon ski resort said they are expecting to open the skiing season on the mountain this coming weekend.
Soldiers playing in the snow (Photo: Avihu Shapira)
In addition, heavy rains have been falling throughout the country as well as dense fog which caused the shutdown of Dov Oz Airport in Tel Aviv and the Haifa Airport. Several car accidents were also blamed on the weather.
The soldiers stationed on the Hermon and the northern Golan Heights have begun preparing for the storm. Major Samir Kna'an, commander of the Hermon monitoring facility told Ynet that they were preparing to give assistance for any eventuality both for the people of the Hermon ski site and the residents of the area should roads close and communities be isolated due to the snow.
The soldiers and commanders were all supplied with warm clothing, winter gear, and food in case they have to remain stranded for a number of days.
Major Kna'an added that the security on the northern border will remain on high alert despite the weather and the visitors to the ski site could come with full confidence to their security.
Boaz Dayan, Moran Rada, Ahiya Raved, and Moran Zelikovich contributed to this report
