Storm Cyclone Brings Record Rainfall and Road Closures to Israel

A powerful storm cyclone hit Israel on Saturday, November 7th, bringing torrential rains and strong winds from north to south. The storm caused localized flooding, infrastructure damage, power outages, and partial closures of major highways. The coastal strip was particularly affected, with rapid flooding of streets and infrastructure due to high rainfall intensity. Ashdod recorded a record 83 mm of precipitation by midday, leading to the flooding of a seaside parking lot and several underground garages. In Binyamin, 50 mm of rain fell in just one hour, causing immediate road flooding. Tel Aviv received about 40 mm of rain from the evening, with 35 mm falling in a single morning hour, and its promenade was flooded. Other cities also saw significant rainfall, including Ashkelon (55 mm), Nahariya (54 mm), Rehovot (52 mm), Haifa (31 mm), Rishon LeZion (30 mm), and Jerusalem (28 mm).

The severe weather disrupted transportation. In Tel Aviv, two lanes of the Ayalon Highway were closed near the La Guardia interchange due to damage to the drainage system, soil erosion, and a large asphalt crack. Emergency repairs began. In Ashkelon, where water entered public and private areas, Mayor Tomer Glam ordered the establishment of an operational headquarters, and police blocked access to flooded roads. Highway 90 was temporarily closed between the Lido junction and Metsukei Dragot due to mudslide risks but reopened by noon. Strong winds caused power line breaks, leaving hundreds of residents in Gan Yavne and surrounding villages without electricity. Repair crews began clearing fallen branches and restoring the power grid.

The Ministry of Health issued a ban on swimming at all Mediterranean beaches due to sewage, waste, and road chemicals being washed into the sea, posing a risk of microbiological contamination and infections. Sanitary services began taking regular water samples. The Meteorological Service extended its orange warning for the Carmel coast, central and southern coastal areas, and the Shefela region. A yellow warning for flash floods is in effect in the Judean Desert and on the Dead Sea coast. Rain and lower temperatures are expected to continue on Sunday, November 8th, with gradual weakening of the rain in the afternoon. Rescuers and police urged citizens to avoid flooded roads, not use elevators, and stay away from underground parking during heavy rain.