Winter Storm Threatens Israel With Heavy Rains and Flooding

By מערכת ice

Translated & summarized from Ice by baba

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Hebrew · 6 newsrooms covering

Israel is preparing for a severe winter storm system bringing heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds from Friday through Sunday. Emergency services are on high alert due to forecasts of over 100 millimeters of rain in some areas, with significant risks of flash floods and coastal flooding. Authorities are urging the public to adhere to safety guidelines to prevent life-threatening situations, with weather expected to improve by Sunday.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Israel braces for a severe winter storm with heavy rains and thunderstorms expected over the weekend.
Authorities warn of potential flash floods in streams and coastal flooding, especially in central Israel.
Some areas in central Israel could receive over 100 millimeters of rain by the end of the weekend.
Emergency services have raised their readiness level and are urging the public to follow safety instructions.
Temperatures are expected to drop significantly below seasonal averages across the country.
The weather is forecast to improve gradually on Sunday.

Winter Storm Threatens Israel With Heavy Rains and Flooding — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel is bracing for a significant winter storm system expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds across the country over the weekend. The Israel Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and Magen David Adom have begun preparations for the first serious winter event of the year.

Starting Friday, cloudy skies will prevail with intermittent rain expected in the north and center, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms. Localized rain is also forecast for the northern Negev. Coastal areas, particularly the southern and central coastal plain, are at risk of flooding, with a real concern for flash floods in streams near the Dead Sea. Temperatures are predicted to drop significantly below seasonal averages. These conditions are expected to persist through the night, with potential for increased rainfall and localized flooding in coastal cities.

Saturday will see continued intermittent rain and thunderstorms in the north and center. Localized flooding is anticipated along the coast, especially in the central and southern regions, as well as in the Shephelah. The northern Negev may experience local rain, and flash floods are possible in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea streams. Strong westerly winds will blow across most of the country, and temperatures will drop further, making it colder than usual for this time of year.

The Israel Meteorological Service forecasts that some areas in central Israel could receive over 100 millimeters of rain by the end of the weekend. Fire and Rescue Services have issued a public warning, advising travelers and drivers to avoid wadis and flood-prone areas. The service has raised its operational readiness level, reinforcing emergency centers and positioning firefighting and rescue teams for rapid response to flooding incidents.

Key safety instructions for the public include not crossing flooded roads, staying away from streams and drainage channels, avoiding underground parking lots, basements, and elevators during floods, monitoring weather forecasts, and following rescue force instructions. The public is urged to call emergency services at 102 for any life-threatening situations, as floods pose a serious danger. The weather is expected to gradually improve on Sunday with weakening rains and a significant decrease in flood risk.