An unusually intense and rain-heavy weather system is expected to reach Israel from early Friday morning (6.11) through Sunday afternoon (8.11).
According to the Israel Meteorological Service forecast, exceptional rainfall totals of 100 millimeters and more are expected across wide areas, posing significant risk of urban flooding and flash floods in streambeds. Emergency and rescue forces will be reinforced across the country and have raised alert levels ahead of the weekend.
Israel Fire and Rescue Services announced that 102 emergency call centers will be significantly reinforced and forces deployed in the field to ensure rapid response to rescue and flooding incidents. At the same time, Israel Police officers will be deployed on main routes and in sensitive areas to provide public service, direct traffic and maintain driver safety. Police will provide ongoing updates on road closures and traffic disruptions.
Heavy rain is expected throughout Friday with serious concern for local flooding in the center of the country, particularly in the Sharon, Gush Dan, the Shfela, Lachish and the southern coast.
From the afternoon hours through the night, rain may extend to the Dead Sea area, the northern Negev and northern Arava. Additionally, there is a warning of local flash floods in Dead Sea streambeds starting Friday morning and throughout the weekend.
On Shabbos, rain will continue intermittently from the north through the northern Negev, with the risk of urban flooding remaining high, especially in the central and southern coastal areas from the Sharon southward. On Sunday, the system is expected to gradually weaken, with precipitation decreasing and stopping by evening hours, alongside a sharp drop in the risk of flash floods in streambeds already from morning hours.
Rescue and law enforcement authorities are calling on the public to exercise extreme caution and personal responsibility. "Do not cross a flooded road, whether on foot or by vehicle --- this is a real life-threatening danger," Fire and Rescue Services warns, emphasizing that one should not enter basements, underground parking lots or elevators during flooding.
Police add and recommend avoiding non-essential travel and trips to streambed areas, staying away from flash flood sites due to the danger of being swept away and drowning, and following updated instructions and forecasts.
