Residents of Golan Heights in northern Israel awoke Wednesday to a rare image of a thick layer of snow covering the ground as the storm set to move toward Jerusalem.
Some communities in the upper part of the Golan were covered in 15 cm (6 inches) of snow in the early morning, while those in the lower parts so far received between 3-5 cm of snow, which is still drilling.
Police said major roads in the area have been closed to traffic while schools in the Golan are still closed due to the weather.
The snow on the highest peaks began around midnight and spread to the rest of the heights overnight.
Daytime temperatures across the country are expected to fall as flood warnings have been issued in coastal and low-lying areas.
Wind storms are expected to reach 80 to 100 kilometers per hour (50-62 miles per hour) and waves are expected to reach eight (26 feet) in altitude.
The Water Authority said the water level in the Sea of Galilee has risen 1.5 cm since Tuesday and is now at 209.56 meters below sea level, with the high level missing another 76 cm of rain.
The authority said residents living in areas where temperatures could drop below 0 Celsius must leave tap water to dry to prevent freezing in the pipe, causing cracks.
In Jerusalem which is expected to see snow later Wednesday, a tree felled by strong winds fell on a public bus in the city center. No injuries were reported. Authorities said schools in the capital will remain open.
The Israeli Nature and Parks Authority has announced it will close all footpaths and rock climbing sites in the Judean Desert until Friday, fearing flooding.
The Ministry of Education, meanwhile, has said it will suspend all outdoor activities and close schools in areas affected by snow or flooding but said it would monitor the situation. position on the ground and change its decisions accordingly and in consultation with local authorities.