(JTA) – Israel’s main international airport resumed operations following a brief closure due to a winter storm that has left thousands stranded and cut off traffic to Jerusalem.

Ben Gurion Airport was closed early on Friday for about 40 minutes.

Police instructed citizens to avoid driving, citing life-threatening conditions, Army Radio reported. The Israel Meteorological Service forecasts more heavy rain and snowfall Friday night.

The snows delayed by an hour a meeting between John Kerry, the U.S. secretary of state, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Highways which connect Jerusalem with the center, were closed to traffic because of heavy snowfall. Thousands were left stranded overnight, with many sleeping in their cars, according to the news site nrg.co.il.

Police and Israel Defense Forces troops led rescue missions on Thursday night. Rescuers evacuated approximately 500 people from Route 443, the road connecting Jerusalem and Modiin.

In total, around 2,000 people were rescued from vehicles during the night, according to Israel Radio, and hundreds were evacuated to shelters set up at convention centers in Jerusalem, including the International Convention Center, Binyanei Hauma.

Power outages also plagued Israel’s capital and the surrounding areas, leaving many without heat to seek shelter at the centers. Jerusalem was covered with nearly two feet of snow Friday morning.