Hours after winter storm Elpis blanketed Israel's northern regions in a thick layer of snow, Jerusalem and its surrounding mountainous areas also received their fair share of rare snowfall Wednesday evening.
The Jerusalem Municipality said that snowfall is expected to continue throughout the night and pile on substantially by the morning hours. The snow will begin to melt around Thursday afternoon as it gives way to rain. The capital's education system will remain shuttered on Thursday.
Due to the weather conditions, police have closed off Route 1 (leading between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv) between the city's entrance and Sha’ar HaGai Interchange in both directions due to an accumulation of ice on the road.
The Israel Police National Traffic Department urged drivers to drive according to road conditions and slow down during rain or snow.
The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) reported that the weather has caused damage to infrastructure at more than 30 locations around the city, leaving 2,000 households without electricity.
The IEC also reported record electricity consumption nationwide as consumption clocked in at around 14,805 MW at 6:22pm. The previous record, which stood at 14,735MW, was only set last week.
Temperatures are expected to slightly rise Thursday morning, accompanied by heavy rain and frosty winds. The drizzly weather will continue throughout the weekend and will give way to clearer skies by Sunday.