Heavy Localized Rainfall Expected in Northern and Central Israel This Weekend, Authorities Warn of Flood Risks

A significant winter weather event is forecast to begin Saturday and continue through Sunday, bringing heavy localized rainfall primarily to northern Israel and the Sharon plain. The Israel Police issued a warning on Friday about potential flooding and flash floods on roads, advising the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas prone to flooding due to risks of falling, being swept away, or drowning. They recommended postponing non-essential travel and avoiding hiking in streams and flood-prone zones.

The Meteorological Service reported that while the rain event will be intense, it will be localized, meaning some areas, including parts of the coastal plain, may receive little to no rain. Updated weather models predict a concentrated downpour of 40-60 millimeters within one to three hours overnight from Saturday to Sunday. The heaviest rainfall is expected along a geographic corridor from the Carmel Coast through the Emek Hefer region down to the Hadera-Netanya line.

The police pledged to provide ongoing updates regarding any traffic disruptions caused by the weather. This forecast comes amid unusual mid-summer weather patterns, including recent rain in parts of Israel, flooding in Jerusalem neighborhoods, and ongoing heatwaves in Europe.