Record Rainfall Triggers Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage

Large areas of Israel experienced exceptional rainfall on Saturday, leading to floods, flash floods, and damage to infrastructure. Images showed cars submerged in water and streets transformed into rivers, particularly in the Sharon region. Record rainfall amounts were recorded in several locations, with Kadima's meteorological station registering 117 mm in just 75 minutes. Other areas saw significant rainfall, including Binyamina (48 mm in one hour), Hadera (35 mm), Tel Aviv (35 mm), and Ashdod (approximately 90 mm for the day). Due to the severe conditions, local authorities in Kadima Tsuran urged residents to stay home and avoid flooded areas, warning of dangers and requesting reports of hazards. Authorities also closed two lanes of Highway 1 (Ayalon) southbound near the LaGuardia junction in Tel Aviv after water infiltration caused a road crack. Forecasters predict continued rain and thunderstorms in northern and central regions throughout Saturday, with a possibility of localized rain in the northern Negev and a risk of flooding along the coastal plain and flash floods in wadis in the Dead Sea area and the Negev desert. Localized rain is expected to continue in the north and center on Sunday before gradually subsiding by the afternoon. Monday is forecast to be colder than average with no rain. Separately, heavy rains caused damage to electricity grids in Gan Yavne, resulting in power outages. The Gaza Strip also suffered extensive damage from the rains, with Palestinian sources reporting that tens of thousands of tents housing displaced people were flooded. Authorities are warning the public to stay away from watercourses, wadis, and flooded areas, and advising drivers to exercise caution and avoid roads with water accumulation.