Jerusalem residents are taking no chances: ahead of the storm expected to hit the city tomorrow (Wednesday) and fearing that the severe weather will cut them off, as happened last winter, Jerusalemites have rushed to the stores to stock up. The main items they have been buying are basic products such as flour, sugar, and oil, mineral water, canned foods, and dairy products. There have also been higher than usual purchases of bread, chicken, meat, snacks, and pulses. Sales of blankets and domestic heaters are also up.
The supermarket chains confirm higher than average turnover. Shufersal Ltd. (TASE:SAE) reports a significant jump in sales in recent days, mainly in Jerusalem and Safed. Rami Levy Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing 2006 Ltd. (TASE:RMLI) owner Rami Levy reports substantially higher sales in Jerusalem and nearby Gush Etzion.
"We're talking about sales 2.5 times higher than on a normal day in mid-week. We have run out of chicken completely, and of bread too," Levy said. "People are buying everything, but mainly meat for Shabbat, baby products, and drink, particularly mineral water. They're afraid of being stuck without food on Shabbat and are buying products that will last them even till Sunday." Levy added that nevertheless there was nothing to worry about, as branches will remain open even during the storm.
The storm is expected to peak tomorrow, but traffic jams are already building up on roads in central Israel. Snow is expected to start to fall on the higher hills in the north, and to spread gradually southwards, falling in Jerusalem tomorrow and lying on the ground. Substantial snowfalls are expected tonight in the north, amounting to 10-30 centimeters. There is a chance of snow falling on hills in the Negev tomorrow as well. Several waves of snow are forecast for Jerusalem, with further falls on Thursday night and possibly during Friday.
Decisions to close routes 1 and 443 to the capital from the coastal plain will be made in accordance with snow warnings and actual conditions. Israel Police have called on people to bring forward journeys to or from Jerusalem. 150 snow ploughs are at the ready in the city, as well as salt scattering machines and heavier machinery for keeping main routes open.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 6, 2015
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