Dateline Jerusalem — The song “Stormy Weather” was written more than 80 years ago. Although the lyrics were to a love song, the title appropriately describes what Israel is experiencing. “Stormy weather” is unusual. Last year the country was caught unprepared for the onslaught of snow, torrential rains and gale force winds. This year, conditions are expected to be worse. I write while hoping that my electricity will not go out again. I hear the roar of thunder, the shaking of my apartment's windows from the forceful winds, and the deluge of pounding rain. The morning sky is dark and gloomy except for lightning flashes. Streets resemble flowing rivers.
This year Israel does not intend to be caught off guard. Even the military has been deployed with armored personnel carriers to assist in local security efforts. The Navy will be on alert for flooding. The Home Front Command with medical teams will be responsible for rescue and aid efforts. Even the U.S. Embassy issued travel advisory warnings to U.S.citizens to pack shovels and emergency food supplies. Because of power outages and the possibility tfood trucks may not be able to deliver to certain areas of the country where roads are blocked, Israelis are hoarding water bottles, bread and canned goods. Stores are running low on other emergency supplies, notably batteries and flashlights. I did not have to rush out and buy anything because I am a good former girl scout who abides by the motto Be Prepared. I am always prepared for emergencies — earthquakes, wars, bad weather. Friends tease me for my preparedness.
Frosty the Snowman?
Entrances to the capital of Israel, Jerusalem, have been closed due to falling snow. The municipality will have 150 snowplows, salt spreaders, and other equipment to clear the roads and protect stranded motorists. It has stored emergency supplies such as food, blankets, lighting, heaters, and generators for Jerusalem residents who may be in need. At higher elevations, like Tsfat (Safed), four inches of snow fell in two hours this morning. Roads were closed down yesterday and the mayor advised residents they could be without electricity for up to three days. The shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) have snow. Sleet and hail are falling throughout the country. Believe it or not, Israel's only ski resort on Mt. Hermon had to shut down due to the heavy snow fall. Schools are closed in various locations within Israel.
More than just the high elevations have been affected. Low-lying areas such as wadis in the Judean Desert are flooding and are plagued by sandstorms. Hurricane-force winds blowing throughout Israel have been causing havoc.
Traffic lights and road signs are being reinforced with concrete. High winds collapsed a 50-ton billboard in Netanya. In Tel Aviv, a woman with an umbrella literally flew from one place to another because of the intensity of the winds. Like “Mary Poppins,” it was surreal. The hail at Ben Gurion Airport was so heavy it turned into a coating of ice, cancelling or delaying some flights. In coastal Tel Aviv, the storm is threatening to overflow the promenade. Dikes of sand have been erected along the coastline. Seaport activities are limited by the rough seas. Israeli surfers are thrilled with the waves that are expected to be up to 30 feet high at times.
In Israel, if it is not one thing, it is another. I look at this storm in a positive way. The eventual melting snow, hail and sleet, and the rain will fill our main fresh water source Lake Kinneret, much needed in this country of drought. In a country where people work six days a week, now they will be stuck at home so they can enjoy time with their families. For those without electricity, that means reading a good book by candlelight rather than being glued to a TV or computer. Therefore, every dark stormy cloud overhead has a silver lining. Difficult times will always lead to better days.
L'hitraot. Shachar