Authorities prepare for expected blizzard as people go on shopping spree

AMMAN — The country will be affected on Tuesday by a very cold polar front accompanied by a depression, expected to bring snow and sub-zero temperatures, the Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) said on Monday.

Authorities and the public have been in top gear preparing for the blizzard, with police advising people not to leave home except for highly urgent matters.

The combined weather conditions are forecast to peak late Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures will plunge 10°C to 13°C below their annual average of 13°C during this time of year and bring snow accumulations to different areas in the country, including the capital, according to JMD.

Brig Gen. Sameer Bino, director of the Highway Patrol, urged people to stay at home and restrict their movements to emergencies so that their cars would not block roads and limit police ability to help people in need. 

The traffic official told The Jordan Times that motorists are encouraged to heed "the advice and directions given by our officers who will be stationed on the Kingdom’s highways”.

With the approach of the depression, the demand for foodstuff and sweets has surged significantly, traders said Monday. 

Since Saturday, consumers have been thronging to shopping centres and sweets stores, stocking up for the snow.

Foodstuff Traders Association Director Zuhair Harb said the demand for essential items, including rice, cooking oil and sugar, has increased by 12 per cent. 

He stressed that all items are available in the market, urging people not to panic. 

Food, however, is not the only highly demanded item during snow. 

People have been buying DVDs of films and TV shows for some indoor entertainment because of satellite dish malfunctions during snowstorms.

The demand for oil derivatives has skyrocketed as consumers prepare to stay warm during the impending blizzard, benefiting from the recent drop in fuel prices, a sector leader said Monday.

“The demand for oil derivatives has nearly tripled over the past few days, reaching up to 27,000 tonnes daily for the four fuel products,” Gas Station Owners Association President Fahed Al Fayez told The Jordan Times.