Heavy Rains Cause Flooding and Record Rainfall Across Israel

Vast areas in northern and central Israel experienced heavy rainfall overnight and into Saturday morning, leading to widespread flooding and prompting warnings from the Meteorological Service about ongoing flood and flash flood risks. The service reported exceptional rainfall amounts, with some areas receiving record levels. In Tel Aviv, approximately 40 mm of rain fell since Friday evening, with 35 mm recorded in just one hour. Flooding occurred along the city's beachfront. Ashdod recorded the highest rainfall, with 83 mm since Friday evening, while Binyamina received 50 mm in a single hour between 9:30 and 10:30 AM. Other recorded amounts included 54 mm in Nahariya, 55 mm in Ashkelon, 52 mm in Rehovot, 31 mm in Haifa, 30 mm in Rishon LeZion, 28 mm in Jerusalem, and about 5 mm at the Sea of Galilee. The heavy rains and associated weather also damaged electrical infrastructure in Gan Yavne and neighboring towns, causing power outages. The Electric Company stated that damaged wires were responsible and crews were working to restore power. The forecast predicts continued rain with thunderstorms in the north and center on Saturday, with localized rain expected in northern Negev. Localized flooding is also anticipated along the coastal plain, with flash floods possible in the Negev desert wadis and the Dead Sea area. Temperatures are expected to drop below seasonal averages. The Meteorological Service issued an orange alert for flood risks in the Carmel, coastal plain, and inland plain, and a yellow alert for flash floods. The cooler, wetter weather is expected to persist with local rain on Sunday, gradually weakening by the afternoon, before clearing on Monday with cooler-than-average temperatures but no expected rainfall.