Winter Storm Causes Widespread Flooding and Record Rainfall in Israel

A significant winter storm system has brought heavy rains and a sharp drop in temperatures to Israel since Friday night, causing widespread flooding. The Sharon region experienced an exceptional downpour on Saturday, with Kadima recording a historic 117 mm of rain in just over an hour. This marks the most intense single-day rainfall measured in the area in six years, since November 2020. The heavy rainfall led to extensive flooding in Kadima-Tzoran and surrounding areas, with major streets like Rabin Boulevard and Herzel Street submerged. Road 4 near the Drorim junction was declared dangerous for traffic. Local authorities, police, firefighters, and volunteers worked around the clock to manage blockages and hazards. The head of the local council, Keren Green, urged residents to stay home and avoid non-essential travel, emphasizing safety precautions such as avoiding ground-floor or basement elevators. The storm's rainfall was unevenly distributed, with most of it concentrated along the coastal plain and the Shephelah. Due to strong river flows and runoff, the Ministry of Health issued a warning against swimming at Mediterranean beaches until further notice, and the Sharon Drainage and Rivers Authority advised the public to stay away from riverbeds and water crossings due to the risk of further flooding. Light to moderate rain, with isolated thunderstorms, is expected to continue overnight in the north and center, and locally in the northern Negev, with ongoing concerns about coastal flooding and flash floods in Judean Desert wadis. Localized rain will persist in the north and center on Sunday, with a slight risk of coastal flooding in the morning. The system is expected to weaken by the afternoon, with temperatures remaining below seasonal averages. Monday will be partly cloudy with no significant rain, and temperatures will stay low. Strong northerly winds are expected along the coast in the afternoon. Tuesday will be clear to partly cloudy with high clouds, a slight temperature increase, but still below average, with continued northerly winds in the afternoon.