The Israel Meteorological Service has issued an orange alert for high and dangerous seas along the Mediterranean coast, in effect from Saturday night (7 November) at 22:00 through Sunday night (8 November) at 22:00. Sea conditions are defined as rough to very rough, with significant wave height ranging from 120 to 200 centimetres, with no material change expected during this period. Authorities note that the hazardous conditions may continue beyond the expiry of the alert, and that a further warning will be issued if necessary.
Risk of drowning, riptides and capsizing
The warning sets out a series of real dangers on the shoreline and in the water, for which the public is urged to exercise maximum vigilance:
- Life-threatening conditions in the water: significant risk of drowning from exceptionally high waves, and of injury from waves hurling stones or rocks found in the water.
- Riptides and whirlpools: danger of being swept from shallow areas into deep water, alongside strong currents and whirlpools that carry swimmers out to sea. The service also warns of waves that break and change direction suddenly.
- Risk to boats and watercraft: small craft face the risk of anchor failure, capsizing and falling overboard, as well as cargo being swept toward shore. There is also significant danger when entering and leaving marinas and anchorages, and risk of damage to infrastructure and the shoreline.
- Wind hazards: in the event of strong winds, there is additional risk from objects carried by the wind.
