32mm in Sixty Minutes: The Massive Downpour Trapping Drivers in Central Israel

Israel has been hit by a fierce winter weather system on the first day of the year, bringing a mix of heavy snow to the northern peaks and torrential rain that has caused flash flooding in central and southern regions. After a brief period of clear skies, the weather turned violent on Thursday afternoon, with the Meteorological Service issuing high level red alerts for coastal cities and desert valleys. The storm has been characterized by its extreme intensity over short periods, with some areas in the Sharon region recording over 30mm of rain in just one hour. Emergency services have been placed on high alert as winds gusting up to 80km/h continue to batter the country.

The impact of the storm was felt most acutely in Hod HaSharon and Karnei Shomron, which became the rainfall leaders of the day. In Karnei Shomron alone, 62mm of rain fell by the late afternoon, leading to dangerous road conditions. Fire and Rescue services were called to a dramatic scene near the Tzofim crossing, where they had to use specialized floating vests to rescue an elderly man and a woman trapped in their cars by rising floodwaters. "We realized we had to act quickly," said Reshef Amos Cohen, the commander of the operation, noting that the water levels were rising too fast for the victims to escape on their own.

In the far north, Mount Hermon began to turn white as snow mixed with rain fell throughout the morning. Rafael Nave, the manager of the Hermon site, expressed hope that the snowfall would continue enough to allow visitors to enjoy the mountain by the weekend. Meanwhile, the heavy rains have revitalized the northern riverbeds, with powerful flows recorded in the Snir and Banias rivers. However, this beauty comes with significant risk, as police have warned that the rain is moving south toward the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea. Authorities have issued a strict ban on entering riverbeds in these areas, as lethal flash floods are expected to hit major highways like Route 90 and Route 40 during the night.

The Meteorological Service's director, Dr. Amir Givati, explained that while the storm is relatively short, the sheer volume of water is what makes it hazardous. He warned that while total rainfall might not exceed 100mm, the fact that 50mm can fall in a single burst creates an immediate threat of urban flooding and road closures. The public has been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel, stay out of underground parking garages, and keep away from the edges of flowing rivers. Looking ahead, the rain is expected to weaken by Friday afternoon, leading into a sunny but cool Saturday. By Sunday, the weather is predicted to take a complete turn, with temperatures rising as the winter system moves out of the region.