Rain, snow hit Israel as powerful winter system sparks flood warnings, road rescues

On Sunday, conditions remained cold and rainy, with isolated thunderstorms. Rainfall eased during the afternoon but was expected to resume and intensify overnight, especially in northern and central regions.

The storm’s peak is forecast for Monday, with particularly stormy weather.

Strong westerly winds are likely to be present across the country, along with intermittent rain and thunderstorms in the North and center of the country.

Authorities expressed concern over potential flooding in the coastal plain and central highlands, as well as flash floods in the Judean Desert and riverbeds near the Dead Sea.

Emergency responders were active over the weekend. Firefighters in the South rescued a couple and their child after the family became trapped in their vehicle on Route 80 due to flooding.

The rescue operation was conducted under challenging terrain conditions using specialized equipment. The family was then transported for medical evaluation. It was later reported that they were in good condition.

The Fire and Rescue Authority warned: “Do not enter flooded roads. This is a danger to life.”

The lake remains 41.5 cm. below the lower red line and 4.615 meters short of its maximum capacity. On the same date last year, the level was 2.06 m. higher.

The rain forecast for Sunday and Monday was that Jerusalem and Beersheba would receive 25-35 millimeters. Tel Aviv, Lod, and Ashdod were expected to receive 15-25 mm. Haifa and other northern areas were likely to receive 5-15 mm.

The temperature forecast for Sunday and Monday was 9°-11° in Jerusalem, 15°-17° in Tel Aviv, 14°-15° in Haifa, 11°-16° in Beersheba, and 14°-21° in Eilat.

A temporary break in activity is expected on Tuesday with partly cloudy skies and the possibility of local light rain. A slight rise in temperatures is forecast for Wednesday in central Israel and the South.

While the weekend storm appeared routine in some areas, data from the Water Authority and the Israel Meteorological Service indicated unusually intense conditions, particularly in the South.

Majdal Shams recorded the highest national rainfall total, with 61 mm. This did not result in significant runoff, however, as northern regions generally require approximately 200 mm. of rainfall for substantial stream flow. In the Kinneret basin, a modest three-cm. rise was recorded, attributed mostly to direct rainfall on the lake rather than stream inflow.

In the Negev and Judean Desert, flooding was observed. Near Kibbutz Dorot, the Shikma Stream reached a discharge of 130 cubic meters per second. This is a rare event that occurs on average once every 25 years.

Further south, rainfall totals exceeded 40 mm., including in Beersheba and Tel Arad. Arad received 40 mm. within 10 hours, causing significant flow surges in two drainage basins. The Beersheba Stream reached a discharge of 236 cu.m. per second.

The Tze’elim Stream flooded, forcing the closure of Route 90 between Ein Gedi and the hotel area.

Rainfall was widespread, with more than 50 mm. recorded in Karmiel, Ofakim, and Migdal Oz. For residents of the northern Negev and the Yatir region, the system marked one of the wettest starts to the year in decades.

Although rain shifted northward, with 25.9 mm. measured in Shavei Zion and 23 mm. in Harashim, further precipitation was expected early Monday, particularly in the North and center of the country.

The authorities were concerned about urban flooding.