Heavy rains have already began falling in Tel Aviv, Haifa and the Galilee area today, and the stormy weather halted flights at Sde Dov airport in north Tel Aviv with planes being diverted to Ben-Gurion International Airport, according to Army Radio.

Strong winds are expected along with thunderstorms in the north and center of the country. There are expected to be 100 kilometer-per-hour winds Wednesday morning, and flooding is also expected.

The mayor of Jerusalem, Uri Lupolianski, has ordered municipal teams to keep emergency routes clear to allow emergency and rescue vehicles to move freely as needed, and areas that are prone to freezing will be located and the municipal teams will lay salt on the main roads.

The welfare department is also preparing in advance to assist residents of Jerusalem, especially the elderly and people with special needs.

The storm is expected to subside by Wednesday afternoon, but an extreme cold front is expected to last until the end of the week.

Menachem Baruch who runs the Mount Hermon ski site said that for nine months they have been prepared for snow. “Just let it come,” he said.