Israel braced on Monday for its stormiest weather of the season to date, with strong winds forecast from overnight into Tuesday afternoon.
Gusts of 43-50 mph are forecast, and in some areas—especially along the coastal plain and in the mountains—even up to 68 mph, according to the Israel Weather Channel.
The storm, heading toward Israel from the Mediterranean Sea, is expected to be accompanied by heavy rain in the mountains and in central Israel in the Judea and Samaria region.
Hail is also expected, with temperatures dropping to below zero in high altitudes. Snow is expected to cover the mountaintops in northern Israel above 3,600 feet on Tuesday morning, and at altitudes above 3,280 feet in the evening, including in several communities in the northern Golan Heights.
Forecasts predict floods in the Judean Desert and in streams near the Dead Sea, with expected closures of Route 90 that runs along the Jordan Valley.
The ski resort on Mount Hermon may open in the wake of the snowfall, expected to cover the mountaintop in more than 3.2 feet of snow, according to Israel’s Channel 12 News.
In addition, haze, air pollution and visibility restrictions are expected in many parts of the country, especially in the Negev region.
