Meteorological Service: Once in 200 Years Rain Event Hits Israel

An exceptional rain event that struck Israel on election day has garnered significant attention due to the extraordinary data recorded. In the Gvanim stream in the Ramon Crater, 35.6 millimeters of rain fell in just ten minutes, a record since measurements began in Israel's desert regions. The Meteorological Service stated that the annual probability of such intense rainfall is only 0.5%, classifying it as an event with a statistical return period of approximately 200 years.

The heavy rains caused flash floods in numerous streams across eastern Israel, from the Arava to the Hermon, impacting agriculture. Particularly strong flows were measured in the Nekarot and Tzin streams, and the reservoir protecting Highway 90 filled and overflowed. In northern Israel, heavy hail damaged apple orchards in the Golan Heights, and some areas experienced wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h.

These extreme rainfall intensities highlight the challenges facing Israel's infrastructure and agriculture, particularly concerning soil erosion, drainage, and runoff management. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is preparing for future extreme weather events by promoting drainage infrastructure, watershed management, and research and development of solutions to protect land and agricultural areas, aiming to minimize potential future damages.