Extreme weather conditions bring hurricane-force winds to central Israel

Israel is bracing for extreme weather conditions as powerful winds are set to sweep through the region in the coming hours.

Meteorological warnings point to particularly dangerous southeasterly gusts, which are expected to intensify dramatically after 8 p.m., shifting direction from the west.

In the Jerusalem Hills, wind speeds could reach a ferocious 90 kilometers per hour, posing serious threats to safety, infrastructure, and fire containment efforts.

Authorities are urging the public to remain alert, as these gale-force winds could turn any spark into a fast-moving inferno within moments.

A catastrophic wildfire, fueled by an unrelenting heatwave and fierce winds, is tearing through the Jerusalem Hills near Beit Shemesh, threatening lives, homes, and infrastructure. The ongoing blaze has forced the evacuation of multiple communities including Neve Shalom, Baqa, Mitzpe Harel, Nahshon, the Latrun area, and Canada Park.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev, who is in charge of the torch-lighting ceremony on behalf of the government, decided to cancel the live broadcast of the ceremony marking the 77th Independence Day of the State of Israel. The decision was made after a situation assessment discussion she held with the GOC Home Front Command and the head of the Meteorological Service, during which she was presented with an overview of the expected extreme weather conditions, including gusts of wind gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour.