Winter is here
Storm Byron Heads to Israel After Devastating Greece: Heavy Rains, Flood Risks Loom
Byron has already unleashed chaos in Greece, including deadly floods, landslides, and widespread disruptions. It is barreling eastward, expected to hit Israel from Wednesday through Friday, with Thursday marking the peak of the deluge.
As Israel braces for a powerful weather system dubbed "Byron," meteorologists warn of intense rainfall and potential flooding across much of the country later this week.
In Greece, where Byron struck starting December 4, the storm has been relentless, pounding the country with torrential rains and gale-force winds up to 100 km/h in some areas. At least two people have lost their lives amid flash floods that turned streets into raging rivers, particularly in Athens and the Attica region. Roads were submerged, prompting emergency rescues and school closures across the nation, from the capital to islands like Rhodes and Zakynthos. Landslides in areas like Laconia added to the havoc, disrupting public transport and leaving thousands without power.
Greek meteorologist Yannis Kallianos described it as potentially the "worst to hit Attica" this year, with heavy rains continuing into the weekend. The Greek Civil Protection agency reported widespread damage, including flooded homes and blocked highways, as the storm battered central regions like Thessaly and Macedonia.
Now, as Byron shifts toward the eastern Mediterranean, Israel is on high alert. According to forecasts from the Israel Meteorological Service, reported by Kan News on Monday, the storm will bring unusually high rainfall totals - up to 100-150 mm in localized spots - primarily affecting the coastal plain and lowlands.
Rain is expected to spread from the north down to the Negev, accompanied by wind gusts of 60-80 km/h that could topple trees and cause power outages.
Authorities are particularly concerned about flash flooding in vulnerable areas. "With these volumes, there's a serious risk of local inundations along the coast and in the Shfelah," a Meteorological Service spokesperson noted.
Additional worries include potential flash floods in the Judean Desert streams, the Dead Sea region, and the Arava wadis, where sudden downpours can turn dry riverbeds into deadly torrents.
Residents in low-lying areas are urged to prepare, with emergency services on standby. The storm's arrival coincides with cooler temperatures, but the focus remains on the rain's intensity rather than cold snaps.