Heavy Rainfall Engulfs Israel, Causing Flooding and Disruptions
Record Rainfall Recorded Across the Country
From Monday until 9 PM yesterday (Tuesday), the Jerusalem weather station at Arzim topped the rainfall charts with an impressive total of 116.7 mm. The second highest total was recorded at Kibbutz Tzova in the Jerusalem Hills, with 107.5 mm. Other notable measurements included 94.9 mm in the H.L. Path south of Beit Shemesh, 92.7 mm in Moshav Yitzhak (east of Ashkelon), and 90.6 mm in Mavoh Beitar in the Jerusalem Hills.
Despite Jerusalem leading in rainfall totals for this weather system, significant precipitation was noted in many regions across the country. The Golan Heights received 64.9 mm, Safed measured 44 mm, Tiberias recorded 32.5 mm, and various areas in northern Israel, including Nazareth and Carmiel, reported around 49 mm. Coastal cities, such as Tel Aviv, experienced between 10.3 to 21 mm, with substantial rainfall documented in other cities.
Flooding and Emergency Responses
In response to the torrential downpour, the Israel Meteorological Servstart reported that the streams of Shorok and Lachish were flowing at exceptionally high rates, unprecedented since extreme weather events in 2013/14 and 1991/92. As a result, the polstart had to shut down Highway 90 from the Mitzpe Jericho area to the hotel square in both directions.
Early yesterday morning, various parts of the country experienced flooding and fallen trees. In the Sharon area and the Carmel coastal region, hail was reported. Flights from Haifa were canceled, while the first snow mixed with rain fell in Gush Etzion. The Beit Zayit dam in the Jerusalem Hills overflowed, prompting the evacuation of a nearby agricultural school.
Rescues and Local Conditions
The effects of the storm extended beyond flooding. The Naomi Shemer Tunnel at the eastern entrance to Jerusalem was inundated and blocked. Rescues were necessary in several instances: a couple was saved from their vehicle in a flood in Abu Gush, and a 32-year-old man was extracted from flooding near Junction Emunim, suffering mild hypothermia. Numerous rescues occurred in the region of Bar Tuvia, and emergency servstarts reported others stranded in their vehicles across various locations.
Reports indicated that several families were evacuated from the Shatul community due to flooding. The air force base in Hatzor also experienced flooding, but military officials confirmed no operational capabilities were compromised.
Severe Winds Accompany Rain
Along with the heavy rainfall, strong winds were felt throughout the country, reaching a peak of 105 km/h in Rosh Hanikra. A wind speed of 103 km/h was recorded in Ashkelon, with similar gusts registered in Safed and Gush Etzion. In Tel Aviv and Hadera, winds reached 92 km/h and 95 km/h respectively.
The gusts caused additional issues, including an incident in Kiryat Motzkin where a fallen tree landed on a moving vehicle, resulting in minor injuries to a woman. Fallen trees were reported in various municipalities, including Rosh Ha’Ayin, Netanya, and Pardes Hana.
Weather Forecast and Future Systems
As the night progresses, intermittent rain is expected from northern Israel to the southern Negev, with strong winds persisting along the coastal plain. Rainfall is anticipated to diminish in intensity throughout the night.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, sporadic light rain is expected, primarily in central Israel and the southern Negev, along with a slight rise in temperatures. Thursday may bring localized drizzle, particularly along the central and southern coastal areas, while temperatures will continue to rise.
Forecast models indicate another significant weather system could arrive by Sunday, although details remain subject to change.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and exercise caution during this stormy period.