Red Alert Issued for Flooding
The severe winter weather currently impacting Israel is expected to intensify over the coming days, with authorities warning that the worst of the storm, dubbed "Byron," is yet to arrive. The Israel Meteorological Service (IMS) has issued a "Red Alert" for rainfall, warning of significant precipitation across the central and southern coastal plain and the Shfela (lowlands), beginning tonight around 10:00 PM and lasting for approximately 24 hours.
The projected rainfall during this peak period is unusually high, with forecasts indicating accumulations between 100 to 150 millimeters.
Dr. Amit Savir, Director of the IMS Forecasting Center, cautioned that while rain has already begun, the storm's peak is imminent. "The storm is not here yet," he stated, clarifying that this event is primarily about the extreme volume of rain, not classic gale-force winds. However, he warned, "We expect urban flooding plus," referencing the severe damage caused by the storm in Greece, where "rivers are visible on the roads and cars were swept away."
Rainfall Records and Forecast Breakdown
Initial rainfall has already been significant. As of this morning, over 60 millimeters were measured in Zichron Ya'akov, which leads the national rainfall table, with large accumulations also reported in Ein Carmel and the Haifa University campus. In Central Israel, Tel Aviv Port saw 27.8 millimeters, and Kfar HaYarok recorded 34.3 millimeters. The southern cities, including Ashdod and Ashkelon, saw lower but still substantial amounts.
The forecast for the coming days is grim:
- Thursday: Predicted to be the peak and the wettest day of the storm across most of the country. Intermittent rain, accompanied by thunderstorms, will fall from Northern Israel to the Northern Negev. There is a serious risk of severe urban flooding along the coastal plain and in the Shfela, and a severe risk of flash floods in the streams of the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the Northern Arava. Strong wind gusts are also expected, and temperatures will be significantly below the seasonal average.
- Friday: Localized rain will continue from Northern Israel down to the Northern Negev. Isolated thunderstorms and a risk of flooding, particularly in the central and southern coastal plain and the Shfela, remain until noon. The rain will weaken in the afternoon, and temperatures will stay slightly below average, particularly in the mountains and inland areas.
- Saturday: Partly cloudy to cloudy. Localized, mostly light, rain is possible in Northern and Central Israel. Temperatures will return to seasonal norms, marking a relative calming of the weather.
- Sunday: Partly cloudy with no significant change in temperatures. Strong easterly winds are expected in the northern mountains in the morning.
Health and Safety Warnings
Matan Yaakov from the IMS noted that heavy rain is currently focused on the center and the Gush Dan region, with movement expected towards inland areas and the onset of flash floods in the Judean Desert anticipated within the hour.
In response to the severe conditions, the Ministry of Health has issued recommendations to the public, particularly the elderly and parents of infants, to maintain a constant home temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, ensure proper humidity, and encourage movement to increase blood circulation.
The Ministry of Health also issued a bathing warning for the Mediterranean Sea due to the severe weather, fearing the flow of polluted runoff and sewage drainage into the sea.
