Record Rainfall Causes Flooding and Flash Floods Across Israel
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A severe rain system caused record hourly rainfall of 117mm in Kadima and widespread flooding and flash floods across Israel on Saturday. Prolonged power outages affected the Ashdod area, while authorities urged residents to avoid flooded riverbeds. Lighter rain is forecast for Sunday, with transitional weather expected Monday.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Kadima received a record 117mm of rain in 75 minutes on Saturday.
- The storm caused widespread flooding in central Israel and flash floods in the South.
- Ashdod experienced prolonged power outages due to the severe weather.
- Authorities urged residents to stay home and avoid flooded riverbeds.
- Orange salamanders were spotted in the Hermon Stream-Banias Nature Reserve.
A powerful rain system peaked on Saturday, bringing exceptional rainfall amounts, widespread flooding in central Israel, and flash floods in the southern part of the country. Kadima recorded an astonishing 117 millimeters of rain in just 75 minutes, setting a new hourly rainfall record for the Sharon region. Residents in Kadima-Tzoran were urged to stay in their homes and avoid non-essential travel due to the severe flooding.
The storm intensified throughout Saturday morning and early afternoon, with the most significant rainfall concentrated in the central and southern coastal plain. In addition to Kadima's record, substantial amounts were measured elsewhere: Ashdod received 87 millimeters by 2 PM, Givat Yibne 68 millimeters, and Sdei Tzvi 48 millimeters. Tel Aviv recorded 42 millimeters, Zichron Yaakov 37, Haifa and Ashkelon 33, and Jerusalem 30 millimeters.
In the southern region, flash floods were observed in riverbeds. Meanwhile, the severe weather in the Ashdod area was accompanied by prolonged power outages. A regional infrastructure failure left residents in the moshav of Be'erot and parts of Gan Yavne without electricity for over 18 hours, with isolated outages also reported in Ashdod itself.
Amidst the flooding, the heavy rains also brought unique natural phenomena. In the Hermon Stream-Banias Nature Reserve, orange salamanders, known for their bright warning colors and a poisonous secretion, emerged due to the winter weather.
Looking ahead, light rain is expected intermittently in northern and central Israel on Sunday. Monday will bring a shift to transitional season weather with strong winds along the coast. Authorities continue to caution residents in affected areas to stay away from riverbeds and avoid unnecessary outings.
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