Meteorologists Calling for Wet Israeli Winter

Israel’s meteorological service says this winter will be the wettest in the past decade. With temperatures continually plunging, much of the country, including the capital of Jerusalem, began to see snowfall on Wednesday.

High winds and heavy rainfall lashed Israel on Monday, downing power lines and trees and causing several minor injuries. Winds were reported to be gusting at speeds of up to 74 miles per hour and neighborhoods across Jerusalem felt the effects.

Trees were toppled at the Temple Mount and branches were strewn in streets across the city while electricity outages were reported throughout the country. The Water Authority reported Monday morning that the level of the Sea of Galilee had risen almost four inches in 24 hours.

Heavy snow fell Wednesday in the northern Golan Heights, with a meter measured on Mount Hermon overnight. Snow also fell in Nazareth, Galilee, Migdal Oz and Beit El.

Many believe the abundant outpouring of precipitation in Israel, following several years of drought, is truly an answer to many prayers and a cause for great thanksgiving.

The Jerusalem municipality has entered a “snow emergency readiness,” and has sent dozens of plows to keep main arteries open.