Israel Braces for Severe Winter Storm, Winds Up to 110 km/h, Flood Risks, and Red Alerts Issued
Amid the buzz on social media, rumors of snow in Jerusalem have been swirling, but experts are calling it 100% fake news. Instead, prep for stormy weather starting this evening, peaking tomorrow, including 10-20 cm of snow above 1,000 meters in the northern Golan Heights, and heavy snow on Mount Hermon.
As a powerful winter storm barrels toward Israel, the head of the Israel Meteorological Service (IMS), Dr. Amir Givati, has issued a stark warning: "We're heading into an extreme day; reduce outdoor activities."
Speaking at the Knesset's Interior and Environmental Protection Committee today, Givati urged the public to minimize time outdoors amid the impending chaos, noting, "We're not talking about the weather typical of winter in the State of Israel. We've issued red warnings."
The IMS has escalated its alerts to "red" for exceptionally strong and unusual winds sweeping across Israel from this evening through the night and into Tuesday afternoon. Coastal areas could see gusts reaching up to 110 km/h, potentially disrupting flights.
Heavy precipitation in the Judean Hills and Samaria is forecast to trigger significant flash floods in the Dead Sea wadis and Judean Desert from late tonight until Tuesday evening, along with flooding in the Jordan Valley, Jerusalem Hills, Samaria, and Lower Galilee.
Additional flood risks loom in the Nahal Sorek, Lachish, Shikma, and Besor streams and their tributaries due to intense rains in the Judean Lowlands and Jerusalem Hills.
Flooding could spread westward from early Tuesday morning through noon, affecting areas around Lachish up to Ashdod and Ashkelon.
Before the rains, expect dust and reduced visibility in the central and northern Negev due to the fierce winds. Heavy snow is anticipated on Hermon, with possible accumulations of a few centimeters in the northern Golan and perhaps a light dusting on Mount Meron.
The Israel Airports Authority has warned of possible delays in takeoffs and landings tonight and tomorrow morning, advising travelers to check with airlines in advance and monitor updates on their website and social media.
In response to the impending storm, the Kinneret Cities Association announced the closure of all parking lots and beaches from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM tomorrow. The public is urged not to visit the sea shore.
Proactive road closures are planned in the south for safety, including Route 90 from Dragot Junction to the Dead Sea hotel area, Route 234 at Tz'elim Bridge, and Route 232 near Beit Shekma by Nahal Shekma. Police are calling on drivers to plan routes ahead, avoid high-risk zones, and adapt to weather conditions.
Southern District officers, backed by national traffic police, rescue units, Border Police fighters, and volunteer standby squads, are deployed and ready for rapid response.