Torrential rains and high winds on Wednesday lashed across the north and center of Israel, as an unseasonably late thunderstorm with snow builds over the region.

Drivers in greater Tel Aviv were snagged in numerous traffic jams, as a downpour of some 15 cm puddled in the coastal city over the last two days. Jerusalemites reported hail in several areas on Wednesday as about eight cm of rain fell in the hilly regions in and around the city.

"While the outlook is uncertain, upwards of 100 mm of rain within three hours can be expected along the coast between Tel Aviv and Haifa," said Barry Lynn, professor of meteorology and environmental sciences at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

"Gale force winds of up to 70 kmh can be expected," possibly rivaling those that wrought havoc in a major wind and sandstorm in December that grounded small planes, and caused damage to waterfront areas along the coast, Lynn said.

"At least a meter of snow can be expected on Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights and areas above 700 meters. While it's a tad warm for snow in Jerusalem, some may accumulate, especially at higher altitudes to the south of the city," although it won't likely stick, Lynn said.

Water authority officials said the water level in the Sea of Galilee rose 1.5 cm from recent showers, according to Israel Radio. Wednesday's rains came as a blessing to the drought-stricken area. The Sea of Galilee is just over 21 cm below the red line, at 213 m below sea level.

The storm is expected to wane by the weekend, according to meteorologists.