Palestine wears a white cloak: Schools closed, more heavy snow expected

Date: 30 / 01 / 2008 Time: 18:54

Bethlehem - Ma'an report -

On Wednesday snow started to fall in different areas of the Palestinian territories, with weather forecasters predicting more snow is on the way.

The Ministry of Health declared a state of emergency in the West Bank and Gaza because of the current weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Education cancelled all classes in the areas affected by the snow or where the severe weather is preventing students and teachers from reaching their classrooms.

The Ministry added that it took the decision to cancel the classes out of consideration for the wellbeing of the students.

Jerusalem was covered with a few centimetres of snow and snow plows cleared major streets. But the municipality still advised residents to avoid driving their private vehicles on the streets.

The public transport system gradually started to get back to normal, operating normal services to and from the city.

The weather forecast for Palestine, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon for Wednesday evening is more snow, as a result of the continued effect of the low polar front.

According to meteorologists, the snow is expected to continue until Thursday evening but is expected to gradually start clearing after that.

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