Flooding, high winds disrupt roads, flights as storm sweeps Israel

Weather officials said the system was expected to gradually weaken later today, with unsettled weather continuing through the end of the week.

Heavy rain, strong winds and localized flooding battered Israel overnight and into Tuesday as a winter storm swept across the country, disrupting transportation, causing property damage and prompting multiple emergency relief efforts.

Weather officials said the system was expected to gradually weaken later today, with unsettled weather continuing through the end of the week.

Precipitation totals varied considerably, with some of the heaviest precipitation recorded in the northern and central regions. Majdal Shams in the northern Golan Heights reported about 60 millimeters of rain, while Jerusalem received 41 millimeters. Haifa recorded 27 millimeters and Tel Aviv 22 millimeters.

Snow fell on Mount Hermon, accumulating up to about 15 centimeters overnight, leading officials to keep the ski area closed to visitors at least until Thursday.

The Israel Weather Service said large amounts of rain fell overnight in the Judean Mountains, Judean Plain and northern Golan Heights, and additional heavy downpours are expected in the central highlands and Judean Plain during the day.

Flooding was reported in rivers heading towards the Dead Sea, and forecasters warned of continued flood risks in desert areas. At the same time, the service noted that the peak of strong winds had already passed and no further intensification was expected.

During the night, wind gusts reached extreme levels along the coast, with speeds of around 100 kilometers per hour. A maximum gust of 103 kilometers per hour was recorded in the southern coastal city of Ashkelon. In Tel Aviv, gusts reached 85 kilometers per hour, while winds of more than 80 kilometers per hour were measured in Hadera, Haifa Bay and other coastal areas. Jerusalem recorded gusts of up to 65 kilometers per hour.

Difficult conditions caused considerable damage

One of the most serious incidents occurred in the village of Abu Ghosh, near Jerusalem, where firefighters rescued a man and a woman from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. The driver called for help after the water reached the level of the car’s windows.

The woman briefly lost consciousness after being rescued and was taken to hospital, where her condition was described as mild. Firefighters and rescue services urged the public not to enter flooded roads or waterways, highlighting the risk of death.

In Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, the wall of an old winery collapsed on several parked cars. No one was injured during the incident. Mayor Raz Kinstlich said residents narrowly avoided a serious disaster. “Fortunately, no disaster occurred. I’m happy that residents are disciplined and don’t hang out outside,” he said. “It is an event that can only be defined as a great miracle.”

Emergency medical services reported several minor injuries across the country caused by falling trees and wind-blown objects. In Rishon LeZion, a woman suffered minor leg injuries from a falling branch.

In Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, a man suffered minor head injuries when a tree fell, while another woman was slightly injured by a flying object in a shopping area north of Tel Aviv. In Nahariya, northern Israel, part of a restaurant collapsed, but no injuries were reported.

Flooding led police to close main roads, including Highway 90 south of Ein Gedi along the Dead Sea, a key route for traffic in the region. Several vehicles were reportedly stuck in flooded sections of road, notably at the Naomi Shemer tunnel, at the eastern entrance to Jerusalem.

Air travel was also affected, with all flights from Haifa Airport canceled due to weather conditions. Air Haifa said it was working to offer alternative arrangements to passengers.

Forecasters said the rains were expected to gradually ease later on Tuesday, with lighter, more localized showers on Wednesday, mainly in central and northern regions. Temperatures are expected to rise slightly toward the end of the week as the storm system moves away.

Additionally, five people were rescued from a vehicle stuck in floodwaters on Peker Street in Kiryat Malachi on Tuesday.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene following heavy rain, as passengers were unable to leave the vehicle due to rising water. Rescue teams evacuated all five, who were not injured, to safe places.

Fire and rescue services have urged drivers to avoid entering deep puddles or areas where water is flowing.