Jerusalem residents woke up to a white city on Thursday after snow continued to fall overnight with 20 centimeters (8 inches) already piled up.
After snow fall began on Wednesday night, highways to the capital were closed to vehicles and public transportation was suspended, excluding the city's light rail which is due to begin running in the morning hours.
Trains will operate, providing the only possible transportation to the city.
Snow covers Jerusalem on Thursday
(Photo: AP)
After some trees collapsed due to snow, the municipality said schools will remain closed as city roads were being cleared.
Snow in Jerusalem on Thursday
(Photo: Amit Shabi)
Snow fall is expected to continue in the coming hours but temperatures are forecast to rise and the snow will be replaced by rain, in the course of the day.
Snow in Jerusalem on Thursday
(Photo: AFP)
As Elpis continues to pound Israel, strong winds and heavy rain is forecast as authorities warn of flooding in the coastal areas and of flash floods in the eastern deserts.
Wind gusts and rain on Tel Aviv's shoreline on Thursday
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
The storm will subside slowly over the weekend and is expected to pass by Saturday evening.