Major Storm System to Bring Heavy Rains and Flooding to Israel This Weekend

A significant rain system is expected to hit Israel this coming weekend, with precipitation amounts potentially exceeding 100 millimeters in widespread areas from the north to the southern coast. The rains are forecast to begin on Thursday in the north, intensify on Friday, and gradually spread to central Israel, the northern Negev, and the Arava region. The system's peak is anticipated on Saturday, November 7, when tens of millimeters of rain could fall within a few hours, raising serious concerns about significant flooding in the Sharon, Gush Dan, Shfela, Lachish area, and the southern coast. In anticipation of the severe weather and potential traffic disruptions, both the police and the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) are preparing. The IEC has increased its field teams nationwide and warned that the heavy rains could cause power outages, urging the public to report safety hazards and to take precautions with life-saving equipment. The police will deploy officers to at-risk areas, particularly on main roads, to assist the public and ensure road safety, preparing for possible road closures and traffic disruptions. They advise avoiding non-essential travel and trips to wadis and flood-prone areas, and strictly warn against crossing flooded roads or deep puddles due to the risk of being swept away. Information on road closures will be available through police channels and the 110 information line. The heavy rains are expected to weaken gradually after Saturday night, with drier conditions returning by Sunday. Localized flash floods are also a concern in the Dead Sea wadis starting Friday morning and continuing through the weekend.