January 10, 2013

JERUSALEM (JTA) Jerusalem remained paralyzed Thursday as the largest snowfall in 20 years closed roads, trains and buses and schools.

At least 6 inches of snow reportedly fell in the center of Jerusalem and more in the surrounding areas.

Route 1, the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway was closed for the second time on Thursday morning, after being closed on Wednesday evening for several hours. Route 443 to Jerusalem was also closed for part of the morning Thursday.

Power outages were reported in areas in Jerusalem, most due to trees falling on the power lines. Electric company workers said they were having trouble reaching the problem areas due to road closures.

Jerusalem schools were closed due to the bad driving conditions, as were the city’s courts.

Schools also were closed in Dimona and other southern municipalities and in Safed and municipalities in northern Israel due to snow and flooding.
Meanwhile, the water level in the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s main fresh water source, has risen more than two feet since the rain began over the weekend.

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