Emergency and municipal services across the country were on high alert on Wednesday as winter storm Byron began sweeping in, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and fears of flash floods and major disruptions.
Dr. Amir Gevahti, director of the Meteorological Service in Beit Dagan, said that rain accompanied by thunderstorms was forecast from the North to the northern Negev, with flood risks particularly high along the coastal plain and in low-lying areas.
As authorities continued preparing for the incoming storm system, the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry announced that it had carried out a special situational assessment ahead of Storm “Byron,” aimed at securing an uninterrupted electricity and water supply during the expected severe weather.
Held under the direction of Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen and Director General Yossi Dayan, the assessment brought together representatives from the Electricity Authority, Water Authority, Noga Company, and multiple Ministry departments, including emergency management, information security and cyber, the Natural Gas Authority, the Sustainable Energy Division, the Fuel and Gas Administration, and the Natural Resources Administration.
According to the Ministry, each participating body presented its preparedness measures with an emphasis on maintaining operational continuity and ensuring regular supply to the public. Officials also outlined an operational plan for the energy sector during the storm, including an analysis of reserves meant to prevent potential disruptions.
Cohen and Dayan instructed all agencies to maintain close coordination and to monitor both the storm’s progress and its impact on the country’s energy and water systems. Further assessments will be held as needed in the coming days, the Ministry said.
The storm system brought significant rainfall to coastal regions on Tuesday night. Zichron Ya’acov recorded 77 millimeters, the highest in the country. Ein Carmel recorded 68 mm, and Haifa recorded 60 mm.
By early Wednesday, the rain had moved inland, with the heaviest rainfall over the Dan region. Tel Aviv recorded 35-40 mm, while Ashdod recorded approximately 15 mm.
Rain is expected to continue from midday into the evening in the Negev and the Dead Sea area, with riverbeds there at risk of flash flooding.
Storm peak expected overnight into Thursday
Gevahti warned that the system's most intense phase was expected overnight Wednesday into Thursday and would continue throughout the day. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms were forecast from the North to the northern Negev, with especially strong downpours expected along the coast and in the lowlands.
By Thursday afternoon, the primary flood risk area was expected to shift south to the coastal plain between Rishon Lezion and Ashkelon. The Dead Sea region, including its riverbeds, was also expected to see significant flooding.
Rain and localized flooding were forecast to persist into Friday, although the system would gradually weaken.
“This is a system characterized by large quantities of rain, with up to 150 mm in some coastal areas,” Gevahti said. “Wind gusts may reach 70 to 90 kilometers per hour, although these will not be widespread.”
The Meteorological Service warned of flooding across the coastal plain and lowlands. Strong winds were expected along the coast and in mountainous areas, as rainfall gradually extended into the Negev. Flash flood warnings were also issued for the Judean Desert and Dead Sea region.
Forecast temperatures for Wednesday included 16°C in Tel Aviv and Haifa, 14°C in Jerusalem, 18°C in Lod, Beersheba, and Eilat, 17°C in Tiberias, Beit She’an, and Ein Gedi, 13°C in Mitzpe Ramon, and 11°C in Safed.
Weekend outlook as flood risk remains
On Thursday, intermittent rain and thunderstorms are expected from the North to the northern Negev. Light rainfall could occur in the southern Negev. Flash floods were possible in the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the northern Arava, with continued flooding risk along the coastal plain.
Winds were forecast to remain strong, with temperatures below seasonal averages.
On Friday, local rainfall and isolated thunderstorms were expected to persist until midday across the North and northern Negev. Flood risks remained in the coastal plain and desert riverbeds. Temperatures were expected to rise slightly but remain below average, especially inland and in mountainous areas.
On Saturday, light local rain could still fall in northern and central regions. Temperatures were expected to rise slightly and return to seasonal norms.
The Airport Authority advised travelers to check with their airlines for any changes to flight schedules.
Tel Aviv reinforces emergency services
The Tel Aviv Municipality said between 150 and 200 mm of rainfall was expected from Wednesday to Friday, with intense downpours in short intervals and strong winds likely. The Ayalon Channel was forecast to experience a significant increase in water flow.
Municipal emergency teams were reinforced to respond to flooding, fallen trees, sinkholes, traffic light failures, and other weather-related disruptions.
Social services were placed on standby to assist unhoused individuals and direct them to shelters. The city’s emergency hotline team was expanded to handle increased call volume.
Evacuation centers were prepared for activation if needed. As part of winter preparations, thousands of drainage inlets had been serviced, underground systems repaired, and sea outflows cleared. Residents were urged to avoid underground parking lots and low-lying areas during heavy rainfall and to secure furniture and other loose items on balconies and rooftops.
Physicist urges calm: Exercise caution, don't panic
Dr. Roni Moalem, a lecturer in physics and astronomy at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic Center, said the storm should not be mistaken for a hurricane.
“This is not a hurricane. Some places will experience flash flooding. There will be a lot of rain, which is good, but there is no need for hysteria,” he said. “People should take it seriously, but not panic.”
Moalem noted that the system would likely bring more rain and last longer than a typical early-season storm. He said it was still unclear whether the heaviest rainfall would remain concentrated along the coast or be more evenly distributed.
“The closer an area is to the coast, the more rain it is likely to receive,” he said. “But if winds shift the clouds eastward, more regions may benefit.”
He added that early signs suggest this winter may not be a drought year. “November saw above-average rainfall, and December has begun with significant amounts as well. But it is still early in the season,” he said.
Health officials warn of cold-weather risks
Clalit Health Services issued a public advisory warning that cold weather could pose serious health risks, particularly for those aged 75 and older. Hypothermia, which occurs when body temperature falls below 35°C, is considered a medical emergency.
Risk groups include individuals with mobility challenges, poor nutrition, cardiovascular or respiratory illness, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or those taking sedatives or antidepressants. Those facing housing insecurity or suffering from cognitive impairments or acute infections were also identified as vulnerable.
Clalit recommended maintaining indoor temperatures between 20°C and 24°C, using thermometers to monitor room conditions, ensuring ventilation, and wearing warm layered clothing. Heaters should be operated safely, and warm meals and beverages are advised.
If hypothermia is suspected, move the individual gently to a warm, dry location. Wet clothing should be removed and replaced with dry garments, and the person should be covered with blankets while awaiting medical assistance.
Activities for children during the storm
To help children stay engaged indoors during the storm, Clalit experts recommended creative games to support sensory development and motor skills.
“Creative activities help nurture imagination and expression,” they said. “It is important to praise each creation a child makes, even if it does not look like what the parent expected, so the child remains motivated and continues to express themselves.”