Heavy Rains Cause Flooding Across Israel, Threatening Cities

Heavy rainfall hit central Israel overnight on Saturday, November 7, with the Meteorological Service issuing a severe flood warning. While earlier rains affected the east and north of the country, the storm's epicenter shifted to the central regions overnight. In Tel Aviv, 40 mm of rain fell in 12 hours, with 35 mm recorded in a single hour, leading to flooding along the city's promenade. The Meteorological Service reported significant rainfall in other coastal cities as well: Ashdod Port received 70 mm in 12 hours, Rehovot 50 mm, Ashdod 45 mm, Rishon LeZion 30 mm, and Tel Aviv 40 mm over the same period. The forecast for Saturday predicted continued thunderstorms in the north and center, with localized showers in the northern Negev. Flood risks remained high in coastal towns and for flash floods in riverbeds in the Judean Desert and near the Dead Sea. Temperatures were expected to drop below seasonal norms.

On Friday, November 6, the north experienced the most intense rainfall, with 48 mm in Nahariya and 25 mm in Rosh HaNikra. Other areas saw less precipitation: Zichron Yaakov (17 mm), Ashdod (14 mm), Haifa (11 mm), Jerusalem (7 mm), and Tel Aviv (less than 1 mm).

The Meteorological Service issued an orange alert for flooding in the Carmel region, the coastal plain, and the Shefela region. A yellow alert was in place for flash floods, particularly in the Judean Desert and Dead Sea riverbeds. Intense urban rainfall on the central and southern coasts posed a particular danger.

Looking ahead, Saturday was expected to bring continued rain and thunderstorms to the north and center, with strong westerly winds and cooler temperatures. Sunday, November 8, would see temperatures remain below average, with localized showers in the north and center gradually subsiding. By Monday, November 9, the weather was forecast to stay cool but remain dry.