Snowstorm Bears Down on Israel

Chilly Holy City: Jerusalem was blanketed by snow in December 2013 — and could see more of the white stuff this week. Image by getty images
The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv warned Americans in Israel to prepare for snow and stormy conditions.
Along with the snow, rain, heavy winds and freezing temperatures are predicted for throughout Israel this week. As much as a foot of snow is expected in some areas.
“We advise you to monitor the weather conditions, plan ahead, and prepare for any scheduled travel accordingly,” read the message for U.S. citizens emailed Friday. “Similar weather conditions at this same time of year in 2014 resulted in the closure of major roadways, stranded and isolated motorists, and difficult/perilous travel conditions.”
In Jerusalem, the municipality said in a statement that it was readying for the stormy conditions by removing overhanging branches, repairing roads, and preparing tow trucks and snowplows.
Heavy rainfall throughout the country over the weekend caused the Sea of Galilee to rise a centimeter, reaching 212.83 meters below sea level. The freshwater lake is full at about 210 meters below sea level.
This is a moment of great uncertainty. Here’s what you can do about it.
We hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, we’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s independent Jewish news. All donations are still being matched by the Forward Board - up to $100,000 until April 24.
This is a moment of great uncertainty for the news media, for the Jewish people, and for our sacred democracy. It is a time of confusion and declining trust in public institutions. An era in which we need humans to report facts, conduct investigations that hold power to account, tell stories that matter and share honest discourse on all that divides us.
With no paywall or subscriptions, the Forward is entirely supported by readers like you. Every dollar you give is invested in the future of the Forward — and telling the American Jewish story fully and fairly.
The Forward doesn’t rely on funding from institutions like governments or your local Jewish federation. There are thousands of readers like you who give us $18 or $36 or $100 each month or year.

