Israel braced on Monday for a severe windstorm expected to sweep the country from Monday evening through Tuesday, prompting the Meteorological Service to issue its highest-level red alert. Authorities warned of powerful gusts, heavy rainfall, flooding, snow, and dangerously stormy seas.
The storm, described as unusually strong, is expected to bring westerly winds of around 50 km/h, with gusts up to 110 km/h along the coastal plain. The red alert covers wide areas, including the Mediterranean coast, northern mountains, Carmel range, central highlands, northern Samaria, northeastern Negev, and the Negev Mountains.
Alongside the winds, a heavy rain system will first hit northern Israel on Monday afternoon and gradually move south and east. Rainfall totals are expected to reach 60-80 millimeters in the northern and central mountains, with some regions in Samaria, Judea, and the Jerusalem Mountains seeing more than 100 millimeters in under 24 hours. Coastal and lowland areas may receive 30-60 millimeters.
The Meteorological Service cautioned that the rain could trigger flash floods in riverbeds, the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and urban areas such as Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Kiryat Gat.
Snow is forecast on Mount Hermon, and for the first time this season, the northern Golan and Mount Meron may see light accumulations. Temperatures will drop sharply, with Jerusalem expecting lows of 4 degrees Celsius, Haifa 11 degrees, and Mount Hermon at minus 4 degrees.
Red warning over Mediterranean coast, waves of up to six meters
Sea conditions are another major concern. A red warning was issued for the Mediterranean, where waves could reach 2.5 to 6 meters (8 to 20 feet), and swimming is prohibited from Tuesday morning until Wednesday morning. The storms are expected to subside by Wednesday, with temperatures slowly rising and scattered showers mainly in northern and central Israel.
Police warned of road closures and travel disruptions across southern Israel. Authorities are urging drivers to plan trips in advance, avoid high-risk areas, and follow guidance from emergency services.
“The winds and rain could damage infrastructure, topple trees and poles, and disrupt daily life,” said a police spokesperson. Emergency teams, including Border Guard units and volunteers, are deployed nationwide to respond quickly to incidents. Residents were advised to secure property, stay indoors when possible, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.