The snowstorm has intensified in Jerusalem and Gush Etzion, and police have intermittently closed routes 1 and 443 to the capital, in both directions. Thousands of homes in Israel are without power, mainly in cities near Tel Aviv. But as of Wednesday evening, the weather in the Jerusalem region fell short of the dire predictions although sevral centimeters of snow had settled on the ground making conditions hazardous.
On Tuesday night, snow had accumulated in the northern Golan Heights, beginning at altitudes higher than 800 meters above sea level. Snow also settled in Kibbutz Manara, Kibbutz Misgav Am, and Kibbutz Sasa in Upper Galilee, and in neighboring Kfar Horfish, where a layer of snow and ice formed. In Safed, more than ten centimeters of snow accumulated in two hours. This morning, snow began falling in Jerusalem, but it has yet to settle. Due to the inclement weather, school was cancelled in northern Israel, and in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. Local authorities are completing preparations for the storm.
The harsh weather has caused electricity disruptions, and thousands of households are without power. Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) (TASE: ELEC.B22) said: “Due to weather events, there have been problems across Israel, primarily in Hod Hasharon and Yehud. There are 5,500 households without power. Average repair time is between three and four hours. The company’s teams are deployed in the field and are dealing with the problems as quickly as possible. We thank the public for their patience and understanding.”
Israel’s sea ports are also closed. Ashdod Port said: “The waves at the port reached heights between six and eleven meters, and the winds are blowing at speeds of 60 kilometers per hour. Due to the storm, the pier has been closed intermittently to all activity, and it will be only be possible to bring in ships at intervals. The ships anchored at the port have been reinforced with additional chains.”
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 7, 2015
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